Patents Examined by Paul J. Hirsch
  • Patent number: 6666429
    Abstract: A flow rate control valve includes a coil disposed in a first body, a movable iron core axially displaceable under a magnetically exciting action of the coil, a fixed iron core fixed in the first body, a fluid supply port supplied with a fluid, a fluid discharge port discharging the fluid, a projection formed for a diaphragm which is connected to the movable iron core and which is formed of an elastic member, a valve seat for the projection to be inserted therein, and a spring which urges the movable iron core to separate from the fixed iron core in a non-excited state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Kousaku Inamoto
  • Patent number: 6666431
    Abstract: An electrically controlled flow valve is disclosed that is co-located with a manually operated, remote, water supply flow valve to control the flow of water through a hose from the water supply valve to an appliance such as a washing machine. A controller in the appliance controls the new flow valve to control the flow of water to the appliance, and isolates water pressure from the hot and cold water supply lines from the hoses and the washing machine when the appliance is not in use. Any hose leak that may occur when the alliance is not in use is limited to the small amount of water that normally lies in the hoses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Leo McCusker
  • Patent number: 6663080
    Abstract: A hermetic-seal valve for a thermal-regeneration plant for depuration of emissions, where the valve is set in a duct (13) which connects an inlet pipe (28) for entry of an emission that is to be treated or an outlet pipe (29) for exit of an emission that has been treated, and a treatment chamber (22), said valve comprising an obturator seating (14), an obturator (16) having the shape of a truncated cone for opening and closing the seating (14), and means (18) for actuating the obturator (16) via an interposed stem (20), in the said valve the seating (14) consisting of a ring (30), one internal top end of which has a circumferential undercut (50) shaped like a truncated cone and provided with a series of radial holes (54) connected to an external fan or to the outside environment (56, 57), the undercut (50) being provided with a first edge (52), which has a diameter equal to the diameter of the obturator seating (14) and a second edge (53), located above the first edge and of larger diameter, where both edges
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventors: Angelo Radaelli, Stefano Torghele
  • Patent number: 6659426
    Abstract: A service valve for a CO2 refrigerant based air conditioning system in a vehicle. The service valve includes a dynamic seal that is opened and closed during servicing of the air conditioning system. The dynamic seal provides for good overall sealing as well as good permeation resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred G. Schroeder, Eric W. Kesler, Zhongping Zeng
  • Patent number: 6659424
    Abstract: Valve arrangement for pressure regulation of fuel introduction in an internal combustion engine having a pressure regulation and a shutoff function that can be actuated by an electromagnetic drive. A housing is provided with at least one inlet connection and at least one outlet connection, which are connected to one another by a connection channel. The electromagnetic drive includes an armature which acts on a tappet supporting a closing element, which opens or closes the connection channel. At least one pressure spring element acts on the closing element either directly or indirectly in the closing direction. The armature is supported by a core which can adjust the electromagnetic force applied to the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Pierburg GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Buse, Janusz Zurke, Albert Denne
  • Patent number: 6659422
    Abstract: A control method for an electromagnetic actuator for the control of a valve of an engine from a rest condition, in which an actuator body actuating the valve is held by at least one elastic body in an intermediate position between two de-excited electromagnets; in order to bring the actuator body into a position of abutment against a first electromagnet, the two electromagnets are alternately excited in order to generate a progressively amplified oscillating movement of the actuator body about the intermediate position, the excitation parameters of each electromagnet being calculated as a function of the difference between the elastic energy statically stored by the elastic body in the abutment position and the mechanical energy dynamically stored in the mechanical system formed by the actuator body and the elastic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Magnetti Marelli Powerstrain S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianni Padroni
  • Patent number: 6659427
    Abstract: In a flap valve for controlling a gas flow, with a valve tube (11) that carries the gas flow and with a valve flap (14) that is pivotable in the valve tube (11) and that in its closing position rests sealingly with its outer contour on the inner wall of a flexible thin-walled tube (20) disposed coaxially in the valve tube (11), and with a valve shaft (15) connected to the valve flap (14) in a manner fixed against relative rotation, it is provided, in order to attain a sensitive adjustment of the valve flap (14) and for the sake of technologically simple, inexpensive production of the flap valve (14), that the valve shaft (15) is positioned at an acute angle (&ggr;) relative to the valve plane, and the thin-walled tube (20) is formed directly and integrally onto the valve tube (11) (FIG. 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Krimmer, Ralph Krause, Peter Baur, Christian Lorenz, Klaus Kaiser
  • Patent number: 6655658
    Abstract: A plug valve and fluid control method according to which a cylindrical plug is provided in a bore of a body member and has a through passage formed therein. The plug is adapted to be rotated about its axis to move the passage between an open position in which it is in alignment with passages in the body member to permit fluid flow through the body member, and a closed position in which it is out of alignment with the passages to prevent the fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Neal, Gregory A. Hall
  • Patent number: 6655659
    Abstract: A sanitary eccentric seat ring and corresponding method of installation and adjustment is provided. The seat ring includes a body having a first section, a second section, and a body central axis passing through the first and second sections. A first bore is disposed within the first section, and has a first bore central axis concentric with the body central axis. A second bore is disposed within the second section, and has a second bore central axis eccentric to the body central axis. The first section is generally frusto-conical in shape. The second section is generally cylindrical in shape. The first bore within the first section is generally frusto-conical in shape, while the second bore of the second section is generally cylindrical in shape. The seat ring can further include a flange, or other end connection, disposed at one end of the first section. The flange is suitable for mounting the seat ring in a valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Burke
  • Patent number: 6651951
    Abstract: A magnet valve according to the related art has a sealing and damping device with an elastic region on which, during operation, a force acts due to different existing pressures that must also be overcome when the armature plate is moved. A magnet valve (1) designed according to the invention has a sealing and damping device (46) with an elastic region (105) that is oriented and designed in relation to a seal seat (103) in such a fashion that the above-described force is offset. As a result, a better characteristic curve of the magnet valve (1) over the existing differential pressure is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Krimmer, Wolfgang Schulz, Achim Meisiek
  • Patent number: 6651950
    Abstract: A valve for controlling fluids has a piezoelectric unit (3) for actuating a valve member (2) that is displaceable in a bore (8) of a valve body (9), having at least one control piston (7) and at least one actuating piston (10) for actuating a valve closing member (9). Between the control piston (7) and the actuating piston (10), a hydraulic chamber (11) functioning as a hydraulic coupler is embodied; the actuating piston (10), defining the hydraulic chamber (11), is supported displaceably in a blind bore (12) of the control piston (7), which bore is open in the valve seat direction. A cross-sectional area (A0), bordering the hydraulic chamber (11), of the control piston (7) on the one hand and a smaller cross-sectional area (A1) of the actuating piston (10) and a cross-sectional area (A2) of at least one reducing element (14) determine a boost for the stroke length of the actuating piston (10), during which the at least one reducing element (14) is braced on a stop (15) in the bore (8) (Drawing figure).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Stoecklein, Dietmar Schmieder
  • Patent number: 6648296
    Abstract: A hand-operated valve with a locking mechanism is disclosed. This valve includes: a valve main body including a valve body, a valve seat, and a screw mechanism which is actuated to bring the valve body into contact/noncontact with the valve seat; a locking mechanism for preventing actuation of the screw mechanism during a time when the valve body is in contact with the valve seat to close the valve; an operating member connected to the valve main body, for actuating the screw mechanism for contact/noncontact operation of the valve body with respect to the valve seat to thereby close/open the valve; and a play providing mechanism interposed in a connection between the operating member and the valve main body, for preventing the actuation of the screw mechanism during a predetermined stage of operation of the operating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: CKD Corporation
    Inventors: Katsunori Hirose, Takashi Yajima
  • Patent number: 6648176
    Abstract: A soft, non sharp toothpaste container for use after inspection for tampering and having a clear packet sized to include sufficient toothpaste gel for one brushing. A toothpaste gel is put in the packet, the gel being essentially transparent. The packet is sealed during manufacture to prevent insertion of additional contents without visible violation of the packet. The packet may contain printing that is sufficiently clear to permit visual inspection of the packet prior to use. When the packet is formed as a toothpaste tube having a removable cap, the cap and body of the tube are soft and flexible. Otherwise, the packet includes a score cut to permit opening by tearing on the score cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: James A. Donovan
  • Patent number: 6644623
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic valve, with a valve tappet guided in a valve housing that exhibits a valve-closing element, with a valve-seat holding element facing the valve-closing element, which forms an independent subassembly together with the valve housing, as well as with an armature that activates the valve tappet and can be excited by means of a valve coil arranged on the valve housing. The armature is designed as a cold extrusion pressed part and the valve housing is designed as a deep drawn part or cold extrusion pressed part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Christoph Voss, Ralf Kaiser, Frank Holl
  • Patent number: 6644622
    Abstract: An automotive emission control valve, an EGR valve in particular, has a solenoid for operating a valve element. The solenoid has a stator and an armature. A shaft is pressed into a through-hole in the armature. Ends of the shaft that protrude from the armature are guided by bearings that are fit to upper and lower pole pieces of the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Russell Modien
  • Patent number: 6644512
    Abstract: A faucet for a water dispenser has a seat secured on a front housing. The seat has at least one nozzle formed therein. At least one button is provided above the seat to control the nozzle's on/off modes when a user presses the button inwards. The button has a slot longitudinally defined therein and a locking key is movably received in the slot. The locking key has a finger extending downwards and blocked by the front housing. The button cannot be pressed when the locking key in a locked position, and can be pressed when the locking key is moved to an unlocked position to retract the finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: GD Midea Holding Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wen Li, Xiao-Lin Wu
  • Patent number: 6644621
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ABS solenoid valve. The ABS solenoid valve comprises: a housing coupled within a modulator block; a receiving unit disposed within the housing; a plunger mounted on the receiving unit and having a projection in one end; a compressive spring coupled with the plunger adjacent to the projection; a valve seat supported by the compressive spring and received within the housing; a coupling channel disposed within the valve seat; an orifice communicating with the coupling channel of the valve seat and coupling with a side of the housing; a flow path disposed within the orifice; a channel pipe communicating with the flow path, a flow groove disposed in an outer periphery of the valve seat; and a discharge port disposed in the housing and the orifice and communicating with the flow groove of the valve seat. The channel grooves are disposed in the outer periphery of the valve seat to simplify a fabricating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Su-Hwan Ji, Dong-Ho Ahn
  • Patent number: 6644618
    Abstract: A fast-fit clamp for partly or fully closing flexible tubes, in particular for medical use, has a laminar body bent backwards on itself, fitted through longitudinally with a tube, and having two elastically competing ends between which project radially inwards two opposite transverse teeth for gripping the tube; at least two split through holes being formed in the laminar body, with openings facing outwards on opposite sides; and provision being made for centering means for centering the competing ends, and latch means for fastening the competing ends simply or gradually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Enrico Balbo
  • Patent number: 6644619
    Abstract: An improved housing for a thermostatic valve has a nonconducting cover that features a projection into the interior of the valve housing. Mounted on the projection is a thermostatic operating element, which operates to control the valve when wax inside the thermostatic operating element is heated. A pair of electrical leads, connectable to an exterior power source, are embedded within the cover, extending through the projection and connecting to a heating element within the thermostatic operating element. When electrical current is applied to the heating element through the embedded electrical leads, the wax is heated, thereby expanding, driving a work piston of the thermostatic operating element, and opening the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Behr Thermot-Tronik GmbH
    Inventors: Waldemar Friesenhahn, Barbu Frunzetti, Wolfgang Richter
  • Patent number: 6641111
    Abstract: A servo motor operated rotary air throttle has a driving member connected to the throttle shaft. The motor rotor is connected to the driving member in a lost motion connection. If the throttle is lodged due to ice formation, the motor rotor acquires rotary momentum relative to the driving member during the lost motion rotation and a projection on the rotor impacts the end of a slot in the driving member to impart a momentum pulse to the driving member and throttle shaft and dislodge the throttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Edwin D. Lorenz, David M. Preston, Donald R. Haefner