Patents Examined by Patrick C Williams
  • Patent number: 12673401
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (D) for supporting and holding the gate of a valve during a maintenance operation. It comprises two identical tools (8), each comprising a plate (80) in the form of a half-disc delimited by a generally rectilinear edge (800) and a semi-circular edge (801), the upper surface (802) of which plate (80) has a first radius, while the lower surface thereof, parallel to the upper surface (802), has a second radius which is smaller than the first radius, thereby forming a semi-circular peripheral shoulder (804), a through-cut (81) being made in the thickness of the plate (80), which through-cut, seen from above, is inscribed in a rectangle and opens onto the generally rectilinear edge (800), the side wall (810) of this cut (81) which extends parallel to the generally rectilinear edge (800) being inclined and forming an acute angle with a line perpendicular to the upper surface (802).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2026
    Assignee: Electricite de France
    Inventors: Eric Massot, Antonio Dinis De Araujo
  • Patent number: 12669179
    Abstract: A choke gate valve includes a housing that defines a fluid bore and a gate with multiple throttling orifices. The gate is configured to move within the housing between a first throttle position in which the gate extends across the fluid bore to position a first throttling orifice of the multiple throttling orifices in the fluid bore to throttle a fluid flow through the fluid bore and a second throttle position in which the gate extends across the fluid bore to position a second throttling orifice of the multiple throttling orifices in the fluid bore to throttle the fluid flow through the fluid bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2026
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Declan Elliott
  • Patent number: 12668957
    Abstract: A faucet includes a housing, a countertop mounting assembly, a fixed seat, a valve assembly, and a water outlet pipe. The countertop mounting assembly includes a mounting seat and a locking assembly, and the mounting seat is operatively coupled to at least part of the locking assembly to drive the at least part of the locking assembly to abut a lower side of a countertop to secure the mounting seat to the countertop. The valve assembly, the fixed seat, and the mounting seat are arranged in sequence along an axial direction. The fixed seat and the mounting seat define a pipe penetration space, a notch is defined and is connected to the pipe penetration space, and the notch corresponds to the second housing. The water outlet pipe can pass through the notch and pass out from the pipe penetration space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2026
    Assignee: Xiamen Lota International Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Liming Ye, Shuanglin Bai, Chuanbao Zhu
  • Patent number: 12663166
    Abstract: The disclosure includes a hot water circulation device, and a hot water device monitoring system including a circulation passage; a circulation pump circulating hot water in the circulation passage; a closed expansion tank in which a water chamber communicating with the circulation passage and an air chamber filled with a predetermined pressure in initial state are partitioned by a diaphragm; and a control unit controlling hot water circulation. The hot water circulation device includes an air chamber pressure sensor detecting pressure in the air chamber; a closing valve cutting off water chamber from the circulation passage; and an open valve opening to atmosphere from between closing valve and water chamber. The control unit closes closing valve and opens opening valve during hot water circulation, detects pressure in the air chamber by the air chamber pressure sensor, and issues a warning notification when the pressure is not within predetermined pressure range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2026
    Assignee: NORITZ CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nobuaki Matsui
  • Patent number: 12663085
    Abstract: A high purity control valve for use in high conductance, proportional control applications includes a moveable control plate having a flow-through passage to enhance fluid sweep of the internal valve volume. Nested orifice ridges are used to achieve high conductance with small actuator movement. Enhanced leak tightness can be provided by incorporating into the control plate materials softer than the material comprising the orifice ridge. The control plate comprises a control plate body having a counterbore in fluid communication with a conduit, radial fluid flow paths and axial fluid flow paths. A flat side of the control plate includes a continuous uninterrupted flat portion to shut-off fluid flow in the valve. The radial fluid flow paths provide fluid communication from the counterbore to a circumferential perimeter of the control plate and the axial fluid flow paths provide fluid communication with the fluid conduit through an intermediate valve chamber portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2025
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2026
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Kim Ngoc Vu
  • Patent number: 12653378
    Abstract: The cleaning valves (or valves) of the current disclosure are generally single-use devices (SUDs) and therefore disposable. Reusing SUDs can be disadvantageous, as single-use devices are not designed to be reusable. Accordingly, valves for medical devices, such as endoscopes, disclosed may be configured to transition from a first state to a second state for indication of utilization of the valve, e.g., via exposure to a valve well. The transition from the first state to the second state may prevent reuse valves of the present disclosure. In embodiments, the valve may be made from a limited number of components and materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2026
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Luis, Nathan T. Cummings, Ryan Vincent William Pollock, Pauline R. Limberg, Kyle Patrick Moore
  • Patent number: 12650173
    Abstract: A sealing arrangement for a fluid valve having a housing, a flap that controls fluid flow, a retaining ring with a contact portion and a multiplicity of legs, and seal a seal having an encircling radial web and a first radial surface adjacent to the radial web, on the upstream side. A first side surface of the radial web lies against a contact surface of the inner wall of the housing, the retaining-ring contact portion has a retaining-ring contact provided to lie against a second side surface of the radial web that is on the downstream side, and free ends of the multiplicity of legs are provided to be supported under prestress against a supporting portion of the inner wall of the housing, extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2026
    Assignee: Vitesco Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Alexandru Popa, Carsten Mikolajek, Cosmin Ion Belin, Dumitru Craciun, Robert-Marian Chitac, Mihai Drienovsky, Deian Rasici, Alexandru-Ilie Isaincu, Denis Brujan
  • Patent number: 12649078
    Abstract: An Automatic Fire Sprinkler Flow Test Device that efficiently measures water flow from fire sprinkler systems. The device comprises two tools, each equipped with an electronic ball valve or solenoid valve, connected to a power source and controlled by a switch. By automating valve operations, the device allows a single person to perform accurate flow tests for fire sprinkler systems, ensuring compliance with NFPA standards while eliminating the need for two personnel traditionally required for manual testing. The device's quick valve response time enables precise flow measurements and improved efficiency in both residential and commercial properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2026
    Inventor: John Shakespeare
  • Patent number: 12644522
    Abstract: The present invention provides a valve (1) for obturating a pipe (2), having: a central axis X, a body (10) having an inlet (12) and an outlet (14), defining an aperture (18), a plurality of obturating portions (30) for obturating said aperture (18), a valve mechanism (70), the plurality of obturating portions (30), moveable from a first closed position (8) to a second open position (9), a valve seat (20), a plurality of first fixed pivot mounts (41) on the body (10) and wherein each obturating portion (30) is pivotally mounted within a first fixed pivot mount (41); a plurality of second non-fixed pivot mounts (42) connected to the valve mechanism (70) and wherein each obturating portion (30) is pivotally mounted within a second non-fixed pivot mount (42); and wherein the valve mechanism (70) and hence each second non-fixed pivot mount (42) is movable in three dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2026
    Assignee: ACTUATION LAB LTD
    Inventor: Michael Patrick Maher Dicker
  • Patent number: 12648073
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a modularized vessel droplet generator assembly (MGDVA) including a droplet generator assembly (DGA). Under a normal operation, the liquid fuel moves along an operation pathway extending through the DGA to eject or discharge the liquid fuel (e.g., liquid tin) from a nozzle of the DGA into a vacuum chamber. The liquid fuel in the vacuum chamber is then exposed to a laser generating an extreme ultra-violet (EUV) light. Under a service operation, the operation pathway is closed and a service pathway extending through the DGA is opened. A gas is introduced into the service pathway forming a gas-liquid interface between the gas and the liquid fuel. The gas-liquid interface is driven to an isolation valve directly adjacent to the DGA. In other words, the gas pushes back the liquid fuel to the isolation valve. Once the gas-liquid interface reaches the isolation valve, the isolation valve is closed isolating the DGA from the liquid fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2026
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Kuang Sun, Ming-Hsun Tsai, Wei-Shin Cheng, Cheng-Hao Lai, Hsin-Feng Chen, Chiao-Hua Cheng, Cheng-Hsuan Wu, Yu-Fa Lo, Jou-Hsuan Lu, Shang-Chieh Chien, Li-Jui Chen, Heng-Hsin Liu
  • Patent number: 12644528
    Abstract: A cooling medium distribution apparatus includes a valve housing with an inner space, a plurality of pass-through channels in communication with the inner space, and a plurality of distribution channels extending from the pass-through channels; a reservoir tank mounted to the valve housing and connected to the pass-through channels or the distribution channels, the reservoir tank being configured to store a cooling medium; and a valve mounted to the valve housing, the valve being configured to be rotated in order to change a distribution direction of the cooling medium. The cooling medium distribution apparatus may be installed in a vehicle to distribute the cooling medium to various cooling system parts such as the reservoir tank, a water pump, and a heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2026
    Assignee: Hyundai Wia Corporation
    Inventors: Je Min Yeon, Sang Min Lee, Woo Yeon Cho
  • Patent number: 12648074
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a modularized vessel droplet generator assembly (MGDVA) including a droplet generator assembly (DGA). Under a normal operation, the liquid fuel moves along an operation pathway extending through the DGA to eject or discharge the liquid fuel (e.g., liquid tin) from a nozzle of the DGA into a vacuum chamber. The liquid fuel in the vacuum chamber is then exposed to a laser generating an extreme ultra-violet (EUV) light. Under a service operation, the operation pathway is closed and a service pathway extending through the DGA is opened. A gas is introduced into the service pathway forming a gas-liquid interface between the gas and the liquid fuel. The gas-liquid interface is driven to an isolation valve directly adjacent to the DGA. In other words, the gas pushes back the liquid fuel to the isolation valve. Once the gas-liquid interface reaches the isolation valve, the isolation valve is closed isolating the DGA from the liquid fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2024
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2026
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Kuang Sun, Ming-Hsun Tsai, Wei-Shin Cheng, Cheng-Hao Lai, Hsin-Feng Chen, Chiao-Hua Cheng, Cheng-Hsuan Wu, Yu-Fa Lo, Jou-Hsuan Lu, Shang-Chieh Chien, Li-Jui Chen, Heng-Hsin Liu
  • Patent number: 12637204
    Abstract: A method diagnoses a state of deterioration of an uplock having an unlocking actuator provided with a hydraulic cylinder. The method includes the step of supplying the cylinder with pressurized fluid with an evolution law according to which the pressure of the fluid is, for a predetermined period, equal to a predetermined pressure lower than a full pressure, then equal to the full pressure. The method further includes the steps of determining a time of deactivation of the uplock and comparing it with the time when the predetermined time period ends; and deducing therefrom a state of deterioration of the uplock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2026
    Assignee: SAFRAN LANDING SYSTEMS
    Inventor: Jérôme Fraval
  • Patent number: 12642044
    Abstract: A system includes an electrostatic chuck defining a first conduit configured to emit a first gas. The system includes a conduit check apparatus for identifying a first conduit status of the first conduit. The conduit check apparatus includes a thermochromic structure including a first region positioned relative to a flow path of the first gas emitted from the first conduit. The first region of the thermochromic structure produces a first visual indication of the first conduit status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2026
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventors: Shih Yang Chiu, Cheng-Lung Wu, Chai Hsien Chen, Chaolin Lo, Yang-Ann Chu
  • Patent number: 12629563
    Abstract: A repeatable use valve in a tennis ball that uses an inflation tube inserted into the valve opening to increase or decrease the pressure inside the ball. The increase or decrease in pressure will cause the ball to have respectively higher or lower bounce. The valve can be installed in new tennis balls at the time of manufacture. The valve can also be installed in used tennis balls, including used balls that have lost some or all of their original factory pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2025
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2026
    Inventor: John H. Lieber
  • Patent number: 12624767
    Abstract: A check valve assembly can include a housing including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a flow chamber defined by the housing and fluidly coupling the inlet port to the outlet port, an actuation chamber, and a piston assembly movable between a closed position and an open position. The piston assembly can include a poppet positioned in the flow chamber and can be configured to sealingly engage the housing in the closed position to fluidly separate the inlet port from the outlet port, and a flange positioned in the actuation chamber. The flange can contain a sealing member positioned between the flange and the housing to fluidly separate a forward actuation chamber from a rearward actuation chamber. A shaft can extend between the poppet and the flange. A biasing member can be operably coupled to the piston assembly wherein the biasing member biases the poppet assembly closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2026
    Assignee: Space Valves LLC
    Inventor: Kyle Jeffrey Meeuwsen
  • Patent number: 12618489
    Abstract: An electromechanical valve (10), comprising in a housing (20), a valve mechanism. The valve mechanism comprises a core (34) of magnetizable material surrounded by a coil (32) to be supplied with excitation current, a stack (36) of plates of magnetic material secured in a first end thereof, and a valve seat (38). The stack (36) of plates is provided in a space between the core (34) and the valve seat (38) to open/close the valve in response to an excitation current supplied to said coil (32) by displacing the stack (36) of plates from the valve seat when excitation current is supplied to the coil (32), the stack of plates providing a return spring force when the stack of plates is attracted to by an energized coil, wherein the core (30) is plate shaped and less than 3 mm thick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2026
    Assignee: STACCATO TECHNOLOGIES AB
    Inventor: Per-Ove Johansson
  • Patent number: 12618475
    Abstract: A novel backflow valve for use in homes and apartments, which can serve to prevent back flow such as when there is downstream clogging, is described herein. The operational part of the valve includes a washer maintained with the valve housing and a floatable ball wherein in the non-engaged position allows for the free draining of water, and in the engaged position, when drain water is backflowing into the valve housing, the ball floats and engages with the washer to seal the opening and prevent further backflow. There is a platform on which the floating device is in contact with, and allows a rolling motion, for a free flowing and unobstructed water flow when in the non-engaged position. Also described herein is a leak alert system which may be incorporated into the backflow valve assembly of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2024
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2026
    Inventor: Pascual Hernandez Sanchez
  • Patent number: 12607272
    Abstract: An assembly for a pressure relief valve includes a valve seat member, a piston and a fluid outlet. The valve seat member includes a fluid inlet, a seat sealing surface and an axial bore. The axial bore includes a first cavity and a second cavity. The seat sealing surface is disposed axially between the first cavity and the second cavity and the fluid inlet is disposed axially between the seat sealing surface and the second cavity. The piston is movable within the axial bore. The piston includes a piston sealing surface, a first cylindrical portion and a second cylindrical portion. The first cylindrical portion configured to be retained by and slidably engage with the first cavity and the second cylindrical portion configured to be retained by and slidably engage with the second cavity. The piston sealing surface is disposed axially between the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2026
    Assignee: MICROTECNICA S.R.L.
    Inventor: Dario Molinelli
  • Patent number: 12606996
    Abstract: A faucet is disclosed comprising a main body having a lower inlet operative to receive a waterway and an upper outlet. A spout has a first portion connected to the upper outlet of the main body and operative to receive water flowing from the waterway, and a second portion extending along a plane outward from the main body and operative to allow water from the waterway to flow therethrough. A spout tip connected to the second portion of the spout provides an exit for water flowing from the waterway. A flow rate controller is connected to at least one of the spout or the spout tip to provide for maintaining or adjusting a flow rate of water flowing through the exit as at least one of the spout or the spout tip pivots in response to a user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2026
    Inventors: Randolph Henry Gerner, Ryan Christopher Tatzel