Patents Examined by Paul J Gray
  • Patent number: 11462426
    Abstract: In embodiments, a process gas supply provides a carrier gas and one or more process gases to a distribution manifold. A back pressure sensor senses back pressure in the distribution manifold and provides a signal to the first controller based at least in part on the back pressure. The first controller determines a back pressure set point based at least in part on the signal. One or more mass flow controllers control the flow of the gas mixture comprising the carrier gas and the one or more process gases into one or more zones of the process chamber. An upstream pressure controller fluidly and operatively connected to the distribution manifold controls flow of the carrier gas based on the back pressure set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Brashear, Ashley M. Okada, Dennis L. Demars, Zhiyuan Ye, Jaidev Rajaram, Marcel E. Josephson
  • Patent number: 11441736
    Abstract: A multi-vessel fluid storage and delivery system is disclosed which is particularly useful in systems having internal combustion engines which use gaseous fuels. The system can deliver gaseous fluids at higher flow rates than that which can be reliably achieved by vapor pressure building circuits alone, and that keeps pressure inside the storage vessel lower so that it reduces fueling time and allows for quick starts thereafter. The system is designed to store gaseous fluid in liquefied form in a plurality of storage vessels including a primary storage vessel fluidly connected to a pump apparatus and one or more server vessels which together with a control system efficiently stores a liquefied gaseous fluid and quickly delivers the fluid as a gas to an end user even when high flow rates are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: WESTPORT FUEL SYSTEMS CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Gage D. Garner, Melih Ogmen
  • Patent number: 11428332
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve housing having a first port, a second port, and a third port. A valve member within the valve housing is moveable therein to alter fluid communication between the first and second ports. The valve housing includes a first annular groove such that a first sealing ring is provided in the first annular groove, thereby sealing the first port from the second port when installed in a receiving bore. The valve housing also includes a second annular groove such that a second sealing ring is provided in the second annular groove, thereby sealing the second port from the third port in the receiving bore. The valve housing also includes a first anti-tip flange extending radially outward to a greater extent than the first annular groove and a second anti-tip flange extending radially outward to a greater extent than the second annular groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventors: Michael J. Dinkel, Salvador Plascencia
  • Patent number: 11402069
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve assembly configured to be arranged in a cylinder opening of a gas cylinder, comprising a valve housing having a first housing end and a second housing end, a first housing opening arranged at the first housing end and a second housing opening arranged at the second housing end, the first housing opening having an inner diameter, and a bore extending between the first housing opening and the second housing opening, the bore having an inner face, and an inner valve unit arranged in the bore, said inner valve unit having an inner valve housing, and a first end and a second end, the first end having an outer diameter, the outer diameter being larger than the inner diameter of the first housing opening, the first end being configured to abut the inner face at the first opening, whereby a filling valve is provided, the inner face of the first opening being a filling valve seat, the second end comprising an inlet to the inner valve unit, the inner valve unit further comprisin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: MICRO MATIC A/S
    Inventors: Benny Dahl, Morten Helvig Larsen, Michael Jørgensen
  • Patent number: 11384842
    Abstract: A poppet valve, in particular a hollow poppet valve, includes: a valve stem; a valve body having along a longitudinal axis, a first end with a neck portion to which the valve stem is coaxially arranged and having along a longitudinal axis a second end with a first conical contact face portion, the valve body including a cavity with a first opening towards the first end and a second opening towards the second end; and a valve cap coaxially arranged to the valve body on the second end for closing the second opening, the valve cap having a second conical contact face portion to form together with the first conical contact face portion a valve head contact face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Alberto Aimasso, Mario Filippo Caloiaro, Luigi Lia, Francesca Mancuso, Manuel Ruscigno
  • Patent number: 11378232
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for automatically opening or closing a gas barrel valve. The device includes: a main plate installed so as to move up and down and to align the position of a gas barrel loaded in a cabinet; a gas barrel connecting portion installed on the lower portion of the main plate, separating an end cap from the gas barrel and storing the end cap, and then automatically screw-coupling a connector holder to a gas spray nozzle; a valve handle unit installed on the main plate so as to rotate around a first shaft and rotating a valve handle of the gas barrel such that the valve handle is locked or unlocked, while encompassing the valve handle of the gas barrel; and a valve handle opening or closing unit installed on the upper portion of the main plate so as to operate the valve handle unit in a direction, in which a valve of the gas barrel is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: AMT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Du Chul Kim, Jong Seong Lee, Won Ho Choi
  • Patent number: 11365821
    Abstract: A pilot relief valve is provided, including: a sleeve, a valve body, a piston, an adjusting member, a support base, a blocking member and an elastic member, all disposed inside the sleeve. The support base includes a head portion and a rod portion, the head portion includes an exhaust channel penetrating the first surface, the rod portion includes an air intake channel communicating with the exhaust channel. The blocking member is disposed on the head portion. As such, the air in the sleeve is discharged through the inside of the support base, and the hydraulic oil fills the sleeve to maintain pressure balance so that the support base and the blocking member will not thrust, the perforation of the valve body and the outlet of the tipping valve remains unblocked, and the pressure of the hydraulic oil is stable when the hydraulic oil enters the hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventor: Eric Tsou
  • Patent number: 11353121
    Abstract: Compressor valves for aircraft are described herein. An example valve for a compressor includes a first end plate, a second end plate, and a first sleeve valve disposed between the first and second end plates. The first the first sleeve valve is operable between a closed state and an open state. The example valve also includes a second sleeve valve disposed between the first and second end plates and within the first sleeve valve such that a plenum is formed between the first end plate, the second end plate, the first sleeve valve, and the second sleeve valve. The plenum is to receive outlet air from an outlet of the compressor. A passageway is formed through a center of the valve to be fluidly coupled to an inlet of the compressor. The second sleeve valve is operable between a closed state and an open state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Steve G. Mackin
  • Patent number: 11346088
    Abstract: An alignment coupling for a faucet includes a first alignment element positionable within a faucet body. The first alignment element has a first alignment feature. The first alignment feature includes one of a projection and a tapered groove. The alignment coupling includes a second alignment element that is movable with respect to the first alignment element. The second alignment element has a second alignment feature. The second alignment feature includes the other of the projection and tapered groove. The tapered groove includes walls that extend toward each other, and wherein the walls guide the projection to a narrowest portion of the tapered groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Spectrum Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam William Tracy, Oscar Romero, Evan Benstead, Jan Van Leyen
  • Patent number: 11326733
    Abstract: A system of pipe insulating sleeves includes a series of elastomeric foam insulating sleeves that are capable of opening up to, and beyond, 180 degrees, to accommodate and capture an undersink pipe. The disclosed system may include a number of different sleeves that are capable of coupling to one another at respective couplers so as to form the system. The sleeves may include fastening mechanisms to retain the sleeves in the closed configuration while capturing the pipe, so as to create a smooth, streamlined appearance that is aesthetically pleasing. Also disclosed is a method of installing the sleeves. The sleeves are made of an elastomeric foam material that has heat insulating properties, and which may also have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that make it particularly advantageous for use in undersink pipe insulating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: OATEY CO.
    Inventors: Eric Hull, Joshua Funk, Willie Perez
  • Patent number: 11299387
    Abstract: A casing 100 of fuel shutoff valve 10 includes a housing 120 having a partition part 122 with a communication hole 124, the partition part 122 dividing the inside of the casing into an upper space CU and a lower space CL, a check valve case 140 supporting a check valve structure 142, and a cutoff valve case 160 storing a float 162. The casing 100 includes a communication passage C10 connecting a space C16 storing the float 162 and a space C14 in the check valve case 140 and having a delivery opening 168 of the cutoff valve case, the communication hole 124, and a reception opening 146 of the check valve case. The reception opening 146 deviates relative to the delivery opening 168. The check valve case 140 includes an additional flow path part C142 allowing the circulation of fuel vapor, together with the communication hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takuro Iino, Yoshihiro Sakata, Hiroaki Kito
  • Patent number: 11293431
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drain valve for a cooler of a compressor, with a pressure chamber which can be connected to the inner chamber of the cooler by means of a connection opening, and an outlet for removing a condensate. The valve according to the invention comprises a pneumatic switching device and a non-return valve which are operatively connected to the pressure chamber, with an operative connection between the switching device and the non-return valve by means of which the non-return valve can be switched to an open position by the switching device. During the idle operation of the compressor, the non-return valve can be switched by means of the switching device into an open position such that condensate from the connection opening can be removed through the outlet via the non-return valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme Für Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Kipp, Ehsan Afshar, Adrian Fricke
  • Patent number: 11274761
    Abstract: A faucet that includes an external body having a base and a spout extending from the base; a unitary valve structure having a cup disposed in the external body and a tubular mount extending downwardly beyond the external body; a valve supported in the cup of the valve structure; and a locking assembly that detachably locks to the mount of the valve structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Perry Erickson
  • Patent number: 11267592
    Abstract: A system for (1) for filling of big bags (4) of various heights with material and a method for adjusting thereof, wherein a big bag (4) is to be placed with its filling spout (3) around an outer pipe (6) and the bottom (2) of the big bag (4) rests on an underlying surface (7). The outer pipe (6) is telescopically engaged to a feed pipe (5). The feed pipe (5) is in sections extendible. The feed pipe (5) is designed to fill a determined quantity of material in a vertical stream from an overlying dosage unit (8) via the outer pipe (6) and down into the big bag (4). The feed pipe (5) at its upper connection (5.3) includes at least one radial continuous interface surface design to attach to another feed pipe's (5.2) downward facing rim (5.6) or to the underside of the dosage unit (8.2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Inventor: Morten Nysted
  • Patent number: 11268623
    Abstract: A valve includes a cover that is transparent and configured to allow a valve orientation to be visible through the valve cover. The cover may couple to existing mounting bolts of the valve operator housing such that the cover may be retrofitted onto existing valves. The cover may be sized and shaped to prevent water, or other weather, ingress into the valve operator housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: FLINT HILLS RESOURCES, LC
    Inventor: Robert M. Lindell
  • Patent number: 11268265
    Abstract: Methods and systems of providing domestic water service to a commercial/residential building via a water booster pump assembly are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the water booster pump assembly includes first and second water pipe branch circuits. In some embodiments, each water pipe branch circuit is configured with a backflow preventer and the water pipe branch circuits are fluidly coupled to one another in parallel. In some embodiments, the water pipe branch circuits are further coupled to one another via a crossover branch pipe configured to allow continuous flow through the two backflow preventers. Each water pipe branch circuit may include a pump. The crossover branch allows water to flow through both backflow preventers, even when one pump is inoperative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Towle Whitney LLC
    Inventor: Dennis Whitelaw
  • Patent number: 11267085
    Abstract: A system configured to replace a top portion of an under-dispenser containment unit embedded within a concrete island under a fuel dispenser. The system includes a mounting structure configured to be coupled to the top portion of the under-dispenser containment unit, and a dispenser sump top configured to be coupled to the mounting structure and the fuel dispenser. The mounting structure includes a series of angles and the dispenser sump top includes a frame having a pair of opposing end walls and a pair of opposing sidewalls, a central opening defined by the frame, a splash lip extending outward from a lower portion of each of the pair of opposing ends walls and the pair of opposing sidewalls, and a series of dispenser support flanges extending outward from an upper portion of the pair of opposing ends walls and the pair of opposing sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: S. Bravo Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Don Mukai, Eric Emerson, Michael Oliva
  • Patent number: 11261079
    Abstract: A distribution station includes a mobile trailer, a pump on the mobile trailer, a manifold on the mobile trailer and connected with the pump, a plurality of hoses in communication with the manifold, and a plurality of valves on the mobile trailer. Each of the valves is situated between the manifold and a respective different one of the hoses. Each of a plurality of fluid level sensors is associated with a respective different one of the hoses. The fluid level sensors are operable to detect respective different fluid levels. A controller is configured to operate the valves responsive to signals from the fluid level sensors, activate and deactivate the pump, identify whether there is a risk condition based upon at least one variable operating parameter, and deactivate the pump responsive to the risk condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: FUEL AUTOMATION STATION, LLC
    Inventor: Ricky Dean Shock
  • Patent number: 11262014
    Abstract: Quick disconnect devices for high pressure fluid transfer, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative quick disconnect system includes a first connector and a second connector. The second connector can have an opening sized and shaped to receive a first end of the first connector. The second connector can include a poppet positioned to open the first connector when the first connector is connected to the second connector. The second connector can include an inner sleeve moveable between a first position wherein the poppet head forms a fluid-tight seal with the annular seat of the inner sleeve, and a second position wherein the second end portion is open to permit fluid flow through the end portion of the inner sleeve. In some embodiments, the inner sleeve is pressure balanced in every direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Blue Origin, LLC
    Inventors: Randall J. Strauss, William Goettler
  • Patent number: 11259533
    Abstract: A control system for controlling the storage of metabolically active produce in a defined confined environment. The control system comprises gas analyzing and pressure measurement means including a control unit for determining an adjusted gas medium composition of the confined environment for protecting the produce against metabolic degradation. An operating/actuating means for adapting the gas medium in the confined storage environment is based on the determined adjusted gas medium composition. The control unit is adapted for determining the adjusted gas medium composition based on a mathematical model of the system that determines a metabolic coefficient of the produce by combining measured changes of gas composition in the confined environment with dynamic pressure changes in the confined space. The value of the metabolic coefficient is used as input for a control algorithm to continuously adjust the gas composition in the confined space in response to the metabolic activity of the produce.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: OPTIFLUX NV
    Inventors: Niels Bessemans, Bart Nicolai, Pieter Verboven, Bert Verlinden