Patents Examined by P. Macade Nichols
  • Patent number: 11092382
    Abstract: A dual fluid heat exchange system is presented that provides a stable output temperature for a heated fluid while minimizing the output temperature of a cooled fluid. The heated and cooled fluids are brought into thermal contact with each other within a tank. The output temperature of the warmed fluid is maintained at a stable temperature by a re-circulation loop that connects directly to the mid portion of the tank such that the re-circulated fluid flow primarily warms only a re-circulation section of the tank. The other, lower flow rate, section of the tank may be positioned so that it has a cooler temperature and thus serves to increase the efficiency of the heat exchange by extracting extra heat energy out of the cooled fluid before it leaves the tank. Alternatively, the low flow rate section of the tank may be warmer than the re-circulated section, and thus allow the re-circulated section to be cooler than the output temperature of the warmed fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Advanced Steam Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Walter T. Deacon, Timothy James Parbs
  • Patent number: 11090680
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods related to a high pressure fluid processing device having a dual check valve setup that can be quickly and easily maintained with replacement parts are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: MICROFLUIDICS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jocemar Ramina, Marco G. Catalani, John M. Bernard, Michael P. Ratigan, David G. Harney
  • Patent number: 11073846
    Abstract: Included are mass flow controllers and methods of use. An example mass flow controller comprises a flow pathway through the mass flow controller; the flow pathway comprising a first cavity and a second cavity. The mass flow controller further comprises a laminar flow element. The mass flow controller additionally comprises a combination absolute and differential pressure transducer assembly comprising: a third cavity in fluid communication with the first cavity, an absolute pressure transducer exposed to absolute pressure in the third cavity, and a differential pressure transducer exposed to differential pressure between the third cavity and the second cavity. The mass flow controller also comprises a flow control valve assembly downstream of the laminar flow element and the combination absolute and differential pressure transducer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: John Lull, Anthony Kehoe, Berwin Banares
  • Patent number: 11073218
    Abstract: A pressure relief device, comprising: a valve body (100) having a central bore, wherein a valve seat (130) is disposed within the central bore of the valve body (100); a plug (200); a spring (500) configured to press the plug (200) into sealing engagement with the valve seat (130); a bumper (300) extending from the plug (200), wherein the bumper (200) extends along a central axis of the spring (500); and a holder (400) configured to lock into the valve body (100), wherein the holder (100) is configured to hold the spring (500) within the valve body (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: BS&B Innovations Limited
    Inventors: John Tomasko, Sarah Fiegener, Tiago Martins De Freitas, Geoffrey Brazier
  • Patent number: 11022225
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing defining therein a fluid flow channel between a first end arranged to be connected to a source of pressurised fluid, and an outlet a frangible member disposed within and across the fluid flow channel, rupture means for rupturing the frangible member and biasing means for biasing the means for rupturing into contact with the frangible member to cause rupture thereof. The assembly also includes retaining means for retaining the rupture means out of contact with the frangible member to prevent rupture thereof and release means configured to release the retaining means to allow the biasing means to bias the rupture means into contact with the frangible member. The retaining means includes a bearing extending to engage the biasing means and hold it in a compressed state and the assembly includes also includes securing means for securing the bearing in the engaged state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mateusz Molfa, Lukasz Wiktorko
  • Patent number: 11015731
    Abstract: A valve, a pump valve, and a pump including a pump valve has a valve housing in which a valve seat and a closing body that is movable in the axial direction, relative to the valve seat, are provided. The closing body is radially connected to the valve housing via at least one element made of flexible material and is radially connected to the valve housing at least at two axially mutually spaced clamping points by at least one element made of flexible material, in each case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Feluwa Pumpen GmbH
    Inventors: Daniel Naegel, Rudolf Gaensl, Eberhard Schluecker
  • Patent number: 11002376
    Abstract: A sealing assembly for controlling a flow of fluid through a fluid line has a housing having a first end opposite a second end with a hollow interior extending therebetween and an elastically resilient plug disposed within the hollow interior of the housing. The plug has a body engagable with a seat within the housing and a tension member having a first end connected to the body and a second end connected to the housing. The tension member is pre-loaded in tension to urge the body of the plug against the seat to seal the hollow interior of the housing. The body is movable away from the seat when the plug is acted upon by a fluid pressure greater than a pre-load force of the tension member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Michael L. Hodak
  • Patent number: 10962138
    Abstract: A valve for delivery of fluid between two chambers. The valve includes a plug, force spring that opens the plug, and a base that joins/mates with the inner surface of a chamber. Plug sealing mechanisms seal the plug to the base. Chamber sealing mechanisms seal an inner surface of a chamber bore or conduit. The valve also includes a trigger arm that holds the plug down until the trigger arm is actuated to cause the plug to move and the valve to open. The valve also includes a remotely-actuatable trigger for releasing the trigger arm. A channel permits the transfer of fluid from one side of the plug to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Brandon J. Wiedemeier, Carl E. Lostrom, N. Todd Miller, Brooke A. Bachmann, Jeffrey M. Lloyd, Jesse T. Caldwell
  • Patent number: 10962126
    Abstract: Embodiments of a flow control apparatus of the present invention generally include a vessel equipped with a substantially vertical, bottom-feeding liquid inlet line, a vapor space pressure equalization line, and a liquid outlet, wherein the vessel contains a pair of connected, horizontally oriented, O-ring and/or piston ring equipped sealing plates that are designed to rise and fall as a pair in response to gravity provided liquid pressure in the sump of the vessel, whereby an elevation of the sealing plates provides the liquid in fluid communication with the liquid outlet via internal orifices fluidly connected to one or more fluid conduits. Embodiments of a method of using embodiments of an apparatus of the present invention to control liquid flow are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventor: Strom W. Smith
  • Patent number: 10946563
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to sensor apparatuses configured to detect the presence of foam forming composition in various regions within a foam dispensing apparatus. In various embodiments, the foam dispensing apparatus comprises a dispensing nozzle positioned between at least two container-forming layers and configured to dispense foam forming composition into a container interior formed by the container-forming layers. The sensing apparatus may be positioned external to the container interior, on an opposite side of a container-forming layer relative to the nozzle, and the sensing apparatus may be configured to detect whether foam forming composition is present within a field of view of the sensing apparatus, which encompasses a portion of the container interior. The sensing apparatus may comprise a contactless temperature sensor configured to detect the presence of foam forming composition based on the detected temperature of a surface within the field of view of the sensor apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Brian Vincent Vilag, Kenneth John Mierzejewski, Steven Edward Maston, Steven Joseph Gal
  • Patent number: 10947028
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing mechanism for a fluid dispensing device, comprising an elastic sleeve surrounding a bag for filling with fluid for dispensing, the bag having a circumference and being folded at a plurality of folding locations around said circumference, thereby to unfold evenly under said sleeve during a filling process of pressurized filling of said bag with fluid, the mechanism further comprising an anchoring column. The bag is folded around the anchoring column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: GreenSpense Ltd.
    Inventors: Gadi Har-Shai, Dmitry Golom, Steven Arnautoff, Nir Lilach, Eliahu Eliachar
  • Patent number: 10941763
    Abstract: A reciprocating gas compressor valve having a plurality of clusters of kidney shaped holes positioned along a common circular or annular locus in the main body and a sealing element with a top portion, a bottom portion and a tubular section. The tubular section is integrally connected to the top portion and bottom portion. In an open position, a flow pathway is provided through the clusters of kidney shaped holes and the tubular section and the bottom profile abuts a stop surface of the valve. In a closed position, the top profile abuts the seat for sealing gas flow within the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Swapnil S. Khaire, Stephen A. Mish, Fred Matthew Schweinberg, Vasudev M. Balamohan, Sujith N. Rasquinha
  • Patent number: 10935995
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a safety shut-off valve for use with a gas regulator. The safety shut-off valve includes a housing, a valve rod, a vent chamber, and a vent line. The housing includes an interior chamber configured to regulated pressure in a fluid. The valve rod is disposed in the housing and controls a valve for interrupting the fluid in the internal chamber. The vent chamber receives ambient air and maintains pressure equalization of the ambient air and the fluid within a maximum pressure of the fluid. The vent line is disposed in a center of the valve rod and provides fluid communication of the ambient air between the vent chamber and an outside of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Bartosz Andrzej Tymczuk, Maxim Golzew, Jörg Brendel
  • Patent number: 10928840
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dispenser assembly for accurate dispensation of cosmetic compounds for custom cosmetic formulations. The dispenser assembly includes a dispensing motor coupled to a dispensing plunger which, according to prescribed speed profiles, dispenses accurate volumes of compounds for custom cosmetic formulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: L'OREAL
    Inventors: Richard Besen, Nicholas Sinclair
  • Patent number: 10926422
    Abstract: A heat dissipating system of robot is provided. The heat dissipating system includes a gas supply device and a robot. The gas supply device is configured to provide a high-pressure gas. The robot is in communication with the gas supply device and includes a housing, an inlet and at least one valve. The housing defines an inner space. The inlet is disposed on the housing and is in communication with the gas supply device and the inner space. The at least one valve is disposed on the housing and is in communication with the inner space. The high-pressure gas outputted by the gas supply device is guided into the inner space through the inlet, and the high-pressure gas accommodated in the inner space is released through the at least one valve when the at least one valve is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Chi-Huan Shao, Chi-Shun Chang, Ching-Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 10900586
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in marine platform jacking is disclosed herein. In one aspect, a jetting valve includes a valve body with a piston assembly disposed therein. The piston assembly is selectively operated to open and close the valve. A biasing member is coupled to the piston assembly. The piston assembly includes a first piston and a second piston. The dual pistons, in cooperation with the biasing member, allow the valve to self-seal thereby preventing entry of a fluid which is external to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Zentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Alan McDoneld, William David Reynolds, Jr., Ramesh Maini
  • Patent number: 10895881
    Abstract: A pump controller has a signal processor that receives signaling about an instant water level AIL of a liquid in a container and generated by a water level transducer during an empty/fill application; and determines corresponding signaling to control a pump during the empty/fill application based upon the signaling received using a liquid level control algorithm that turns ON the pump when the instant water level AIL rises above a maximum empty water level during an empty application, or falls below a maximum fill water level during a fill application; turns OFF the pump when the instant water level AIL falls below a minimum empty water level for the empty application, or rises above a second maximum fill water level during the fill application; controls the pump when the instant water level AIL is in a liquid level region above the minimum empty water level and below a second maximum empty water level for the empty application, or falls below the second maximum fill water level and above a second minimum fil
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: FLUID HANDLING LLC
    Inventors: Andrew A. Cheng, Matt Ruffo, Jordan Ruff
  • Patent number: 10890265
    Abstract: A check valve includes a valve body having a flow bore which extends between the inlet and outlet ends of the body, a cavity which intersects the flow bore, and an opening which is connected to the cavity. A body cap is removably secured in the opening, and a seat cartridge is configured to fit through the opening and be slidably received in the cavity. The seat cartridge has an open first end which is aligned with the opening, a second end which is located opposite the first end, a chamber which extends between the first and second ends and defines an inner wall of the seat cartridge, a first bore which extends between the chamber and an inlet bore portion, a second bore which extends between the chamber and an outlet bore portion, and a valve seat which is formed on a portion of the inner wall that surrounds the first bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Fink
  • Patent number: 10889487
    Abstract: A fuel transfer station may provide for the refilling of fuel canisters providing fuel to combustion powered equipment. The fuel transfer station may include a base, a frame coupled to the base, a first connection port and a second connection port provided in the base, and fluid flow lines connecting the first connection port and the second connection port. A supply tank may be supported by the frame and detachably connected to the first connection port. A fuel canister to be refilled may be detachably connected to the second connection port. Fuel contained in the supply tank may be selectively supplied to the fuel canister through the fluid flow lines in response to a pressure gradient drawing the fuel into the fuel canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: WORTHINGTON CYLINDERS CORPORATION
    Inventors: William Rigdon, Daniel J. White, Matthew J. Velderman, Jr., Derek Marchanti, Gary Hill
  • Patent number: 10888201
    Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for customizing dental care. In one aspect, an oral care agent dispenser device includes: (1) multiple chambers each configured to receive a cartridge containing a different oral care agent ingredient of a plurality of oral care agent ingredients; (2) memory configured to store an oral care agent formulation that includes one or more of the plurality of oral care agent ingredients; and (3) a dispenser positioned above an oral care agent dispensing region, the dispenser configured to dispense one or more of the plurality of oral care agent ingredients in accordance with the oral care agent formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: ZeroBrush, Inc.
    Inventor: Nidhi Pai