Patents Examined by Ramesh Krishnamurthy
  • Patent number: 7124773
    Abstract: A valve including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet coupled by a fluid channel, all of which are defined by walls and structures produced by micromachining of glass and/or silicon. An actuator can be set to at least two different positions in order to vary the flow cross section of the fluid channel. The geometries of the fluid inlet, outlet and channel are adapted for preventing the flow from changing its direction so sharply that a significant portion of contaminating droplets and or particles in the flow hit the walls of structures, as given in any arrangement according to or between the following two extremes: i) flow outlet is perpendicular to the flow inlet and the outlet dimension is larger than a critical dimension, Lcrit estimated according to a given formula and/or as simulated in a Computational Fluid Dynamics tool, and ii) flow outlet and flow channel is generally parallel to flow inlet giving a substantially unidirectional flow pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Ole-Morten Midtgård, Knut Asskildt, Arne Nysveen
  • Patent number: 7121291
    Abstract: A check valve includes a casing member, a tear-drop shaped ball member installed in the casing member, a latching member which is formed at an inner wall of the casing member and an airtight valve which is formed at an inner wall of the casing member. When forward flux occurs, the ball member is fixed at the latching members absolutely to circulate the forward flux stably. When backward flux occurs, the ball member is latched at the airtight member to close the casing member and thus, to suppress the backward flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Hiroshima University
    Inventor: Taijiro Sueda
  • Patent number: 7121296
    Abstract: A variable orifice valve for balancing the flow of particulate coal in an air stream relative to other parallel conduits. The valve comprises a section of conduit which changes in area along its flow axis and a variable position valve element mounted within the conduit section. The valve element has a shape which proximates that of the conduit section and is movable axially to vary the annular area of the flow path around the valve element. There is no valve seat and, therefore, the valve is always open to some degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Rickey E. Wark
  • Patent number: 7117881
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control system, especially a hydraulic control system for a transmission, including a valve assembly, especially a directional valve assembly, designed for controlling a cooling system for a clutch and for ensuring a minimum level of pressure and suctioning function of a pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Eric Muller
  • Patent number: 7117886
    Abstract: A vacuum regulating valve has high controllability, wherein the opening of a valving member can be quickly and accurately controlled by using a small and inexpensive electric motor. In accordance with a signal indicative of a pressure set value and a pressure signal from the pressure sensor, the main controller in the valve control section outputs a signal for setting the opening of the valving member to a motor controller that controls the electric motor, and performs control to cause a pilot fluid to be supplied to a pressure receiving chamber of the piston, thereby causing the piston to move to the position of abutment with the stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Kajitani, Kazuo Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 7114517
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a flow control device and a Coriolis mass flowmeter in fluid communication with the flow control device. The Coriolis flowmeter has a flow-tube made of a high-purity plastic material, such as PFA, making the delivery system suitable for high purity applications. A controller provides a control output signal to the flow control device, which may comprise a pinch valve, so as to vary the flow control device output in response to a setpoint signal and measurement signals received from the flowmeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventors: Wesley E. Sund, Joseph C. Dille, Michael J. Barger, Gary E. Pawlas
  • Patent number: 7108009
    Abstract: An opening/closing of a plurality of valves are controlled so that a plurality of gases flow into a chamber in an operation of a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, and the opening/closing of the plurality of valves are controlled so that a gas A flows into mass flowmeters in an inspection of a mass flow controller MFC 2?. Therefore, the inspection can be achieved while maintaining the connection of mass flow controller MFC 2? to the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Renesas Technology Corp.
    Inventor: Shoji Ishida
  • Patent number: 7104282
    Abstract: A two stage solenoid control valve is described. The control valve opens and closes using a single source of pressurized fluid. This source of pressurized fluid may be transmitted through the solenoid control valve and on to a downstream valve such as a bleed valve in a gas turbine engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Hooker, James Mutch, Robert Franconi, Bob Goodman
  • Patent number: 7104275
    Abstract: A control valve includes an elastomeric flow tube, a plunger having first and second ends, and a pinch member connected to the first end of the plunger. The pinch member is situated adjacent the flow tube. A reference surface is positioned generally opposite the pinch member such that the elastomeric tube is squeezable between the pinch member and the reference surface to control fluid flow through the flow tube. A first guide spring is situated between the pinch member and the first end of the plunger, and a second guide spring is situated adjacent the second end of the plunger. A damper may be connected to the plunger. Further, a pressure containing member may situated about at least a portion of the flow tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Joseph C Dille
  • Patent number: 7100627
    Abstract: A method of sequentially transporting a first and a second fluid at a volumetric flow rate through a conduit having a cross-section, wherein the first and second fluids have different densities, which method comprises the steps of estimating a critical stratification condition for a fluid density profile along the conduit, which condition takes into account the densities of the first and second fluids, the cross-section of the conduit and the volumetric flow rate, and wherein violating the critical stratification condition likely results in stratification of fluids to occur; and feeding sequentially only first fluid, a buffer fluid and only second fluid into the conduit, wherein the buffer fluid has a density between the densities of the first and second fluids, such that a density profile of fluid along the conduit is provided, which does not violate the critical stratification condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Elco Dick Hollander
  • Patent number: 7100628
    Abstract: An electromechanically-assisted control system for use in a second-stage regulator. Regulator control assembly (20), also referred to as EMA assembly (20), includes a mechanical actuator sub-assembly (21) and an electromechanical actuator (EMA) sub-assembly (22) for controlling airflow through single air supply line (23). EMA sub-assembly (22) includes electronically controllable actuator (ECA) (34), which removably seals EMA orifice (36) in wall (30) of pilot chamber (32). ECA (34) is electrically connected with and controlled by control electronics (38). The control electronics include programmable microprocessor (40), which is electrically connected with charge and discharge electronics (42), both of which are electrically connected with power supply (44). Alternatively, regulator control assembly (20?), also referred to as all-electronic (AE) assembly (20?), has only an EMA sub-assembly and no mechanical actuator sub-assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Creare Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Izenson, Patrick J. Magari
  • Patent number: 7093612
    Abstract: A vacuum fitting having a check valve for use in bagging composite parts prior to and curing the during process, in which the body of the vacuum fitting is formed from a single piece of material, and the check valve has no loose fitting parts is disclosed. The vacuum fitting has a one-piece body portion having a base flange, a central neck portion, and a top quick-connect fitting adapted for releasable connection to a conventional vacuum source. The check valve is disposed within the central neck portion with a snap ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Greene, Wayne Sissom
  • Patent number: 7093607
    Abstract: A servovalve has a sleeve having both a first metering aperture and a second metering aperture in fluid communication with a single port cavity defined by the servovalve. A spool oriented within the sleeve has a first land and a second land and defines a channel oriented between the first land and the second land. When the spool orients in a null position within the sleeve, the first land overlaps the first metering aperture and the second land overlaps the second metering aperture. As a low viscosity fluid within the servovalve assembly leaks across the first land and enters the channel, the overlap of the first and second lands with the first and second metering apertures minimizes flow of the fluid from the channel into the port cavity associated with the metering apertures. The configuration of the sleeve assembly, therefore, maintains a relatively large pressure gain within the servovalve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: HR Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Armando Rodriguez, Ronald Olson, Torin Lewis
  • Patent number: 7086410
    Abstract: A common solvent vapor supply source 41 and a common processing gas supply source 42 supply ozone gas and steam to a plurality of processing vessels 30A, 30B. Pressures in the processing vessels are regulated by adjusting the openings of the valuable throttle valves 50A, 50B, which are placed in exhaust lines 80A, 80B, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Chouno, Norihiro Ito, Keigo Satake, Tadashi Iino
  • Patent number: 7082957
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a temporary closure device for a throughway comprises a sleeve to fit in the throughway and a core located in the sleeve. The core has an annular rupturable connection locating the core in the sleeve to prevent flow of fluids through the sleeve. The annular connection is rupturable by displacing the core axially in the sleeve to allow fluid to flow through the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: John Guest International Limited
    Inventor: John Derek Guest
  • Patent number: 7082967
    Abstract: An umbrella valve includes an elastic cap, and an elastic stem formed integrally with the cap, having a center hollow portion, having an enlarged hollow portion proximate the cap, and having a bottom. The valve has a needle having an enlarged head at a proximal end thereof for being snugly secured in the enlarged hollow portion of the stem, having a lower lateral hole in a distal portion, having an upper lateral hole proximate the bottom of the stem, and having a lengthwise center passageway connecting the upper and lower lateral holes. A method includes providing a needle for being snugly secured in one of a plurality of elastic caps, the needle having a lengthwise center passageway connecting upper and lower lateral holes. The method includes selecting a cap from among the plurality of elastic caps by determining opening pressure factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Engineered Products & Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kissak T. Sarajian, Michael R. Kohlmann
  • Patent number: 7082965
    Abstract: A solenoid control valve for use in actuation of a manual hydraulic clutch in a vehicle. The solenoid control valve has an electronically operated solenoid with armature and actuator rod displaced through a channel in the solenoid. A spool valve has a valve body that is coupled at one end to the solenoid. A spool is slidably disposed in the control channel. A first and second dampener chambers are located at the two ends of the spool. The dampeners function to improve the stability in the control system and balance the transient flow forces of the hydraulic fluid as it moves through the valve member. The spool also has a control portion located between the first end and the second end of the spool. The control portion allows the control portion to communicate with a supply, control and exhaust passages in the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Garrett R. Holmes, Richard T. Tamba
  • Patent number: 7080656
    Abstract: A diffuser apparatus for variably controlling fluid pressure release is provided. The diffuser apparatus includes an aperture for pressure release and an adjustable plug that can variably expose the aperture by adjusting positions in response to internal pressure levels. The diffuser apparatus may also include a safety mechanism that utilizes valves to add or release pressure acting on the plug in order to open and close the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC.
    Inventor: Michael Wildie McCarty
  • Patent number: 7080657
    Abstract: A fuel tank venting system includes a fuel cap, a vent diaphragm and a vent disc. A valve cavity with a substantially concave bottom is formed in a bottom of the fuel cap. At least one air passage is formed through the vent disc. A substantially convex surface is formed on a top of the diaphragm projection. The vent diaphragm is retained between the substantially concave bottom and the substantially convex surface. When air is needed for fuel flow, a vacuum within the fuel tank pulls the perimeter of the vent diaphragm downward, which breaks a seal with the substantially concave bottom to allow air flow. In a second embodiment, the fuel tank venting system is contained in a wall of the fuel tank. In a third embodiment, the fuel tank venting system is contained in a fuel vent body, which is attached to the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: William A. Scott
  • Patent number: 7080658
    Abstract: A fluid passage is emergently-closed in a short time without causing a water hammer by an extremely simple device and operation. A water hammerless closing device includes an actuator operated valve provided in a fluid passage, an electro-pneumatic conversion device for supplying a 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa to an actuator operated-type valve, a vibration sensor removably secured to the pipe passage on the upstream side of the actuator operated-type valve, and a tuning box receiving a vibration detection signal Pr from the vibration sensor and delivering a control signal Sc to the electro-pneumatic conversion device for controlling the step operating pressure Ps? of the 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa so that, with the control signal Sc being regulated, the electro-pneumatic conversion device outputs the 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa with the step operating pressure Ps? capable of bringing the vibration detection signal Pr substantially to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignees: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Nobukazu Ikeda, Kouji Nishino, Masaaki Nagase, Kyousuke Dohi, Ryutaro Nishimura