Patents Examined by Ramyar Farid
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Patent number: 6213143Abstract: A liquid filter (1) with a built-in pressure regulator (11) for fuel is proposed, in which the pressure regulator (11) with its diaphragm (32) is mounted on the inside of a cap (14) that has the inflow connector (16) and the tank connector (17). The diaphragm (32), which experiences a flow on its inside, is acted upon by the pressure of the fuel on the clean side (25) of the filter element (21), and the flow through the filter element is radially from the outside inward. Integrating the pressure regulator (11) in the cap enables a simple, compact, economical design of the liquid filter (10), through whose valve (36) in the pressure regulator (11) only cleaned fuel flows.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1996Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Helmut Schwegler, Uwe Liskow, Lorenz Drutu, Ulrich Projahn, Bernhard Lucas, Wolfgang Bueser
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Patent number: 6026838Abstract: An apparatus detects an opening in a fluid flow passageway such as occurs when a resistance welding cap which is cooled by the fluid flow becomes accidently detached from a welding machine. Upon detection of an opening, an air-actuated pinch lever is activated to quickly pinch shut flexible fluid inlet and outlet hoses and thereby shut off the fluid flow. Inlet and outlet flow rate sensors provide periodic outputs to a digital computer which determines directions of inlet and outlet flow acceleration. If either the inlet or outlet acceleration changes direction, a baseline inlet or outlet flow rate is set equal to the corresponding current flow rate value to prevent erroneous opening detection due to normal flow fluctuations. If the inlet and outlet accelerations are in the same direction, the baseline values are similarly updated. If the inlet acceleration is positive and the outlet acceleration is negative, it indicates a probable opening.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: Proteus Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark R. Nicewonger, Tommy K. Yiu
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Patent number: 6021808Abstract: A water supply shut off valve system is used with a fluid storage tank, such as a hot water heater, to automatically shut off a fluid supply to the storage tank as a result of a pressure drop in the storage tank caused, for example, by a leak or rupture. A fluid supply shut off valve system comprises a shut off valve, such as a normally closed diaphragm valve, coupled to a supply inlet, for controlling the supply of fluid through the supply line to the storage tank. The shut off valve system further comprises a fluid monitoring device (FMD) fluidly coupled to the supply line and to the shut off valve, for monitoring the tank pressure and causing the shut off valve to remain closed when the tank pressure drops to ambient pressure. The FMD generally includes a body portion having a passageway and an actuation mechanism disposed in the passageway for opening and closing a fluid path through the FMD.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1998Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Inventor: Lawrence M. Dulac
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Patent number: 6016832Abstract: A fuel admission valve for metering gas without using a mass flow sensor. The valve uses a flow control element and nozzle, an actuator, a fuel supply pressure sensor, a fuel supply temperature sensor, a flow control element position sensor, and a flow control circuit to meter gas in sonic flow with insensitivity to the discharge pressure.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1997Date of Patent: January 25, 2000Assignee: Woodward Governor CompanyInventors: Curtis C. Vars, Jason E. Yost, Joel L. McLane, Donald R. Samuelson, Gary F. Branch
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Patent number: 6000418Abstract: A fluid mixing system and a method of using same for maintaining uniform concentrations of fluid chemical additives in a dilutant, in which the system includes a multi-port aspirator device including a venturi having a venturi inlet for receiving dilutant and a venturi outlet of reduced diameter for discharging said dilutant, a dilutant injector source fluidly coupled to said multi-port aspirator device for delivering a dilutant at a dilutant pressure thereto, and a plurality of injectate sources fluidly connected to the aspirator device at or immediately downstream said venturi outlet, wherein each said injectate source is capable of independently varying pressure at said a multi-port venturi injector with respect to said dilutant pressure. The use of the inventive fluid mixing system also provides a facile and accurate means of injecting required volumes of wet chemicals into a flowing stream of a carrier fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1997Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Frederick W. Kern, Jr., William A. Syverson
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Patent number: 5988203Abstract: A two-piece, modular valve manifold adapted to be positioned between a main flowline and a pressure sensor to control fluid flow from the main flowline to the sensor, the manifold comprising a first module that adapts to a pressure sensor, such as a differential pressure transmitter, and a second module that is connected to a source of process fluid, the second module containing a block valve system, the first module containing an equalizer valve system and a vent valve system, the modules being connected together whereby process fluid can be transferred through the first module to the second module and ultimately, to the pressure sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Inventor: Peter B. Hutton
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Patent number: 5983930Abstract: The invention relates to a throttle device for delivery of a current of gas through a channel (1), the device comprising a flap (4) which is arranged so that it can pivot on an axle (5) and which is designed in such a way that, at a certain pressure force exerted by the current of gas, it is opened from a position in which the channel (1) is essentially closed. The invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one weight (7) which is arranged to rotate together with the flap (4) and is designed to deliver a torque to the axle (5) in conjunction with the pivoting of the flap (4). The invention is intended in particular for recovery boilers, or heating boilers or steam boilers for solid fuels. The invention achieves an improved air penetration in respect of air flowing into the boiler.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping ABInventor: Lennart Nordenberg
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Patent number: 5983938Abstract: A combination faucet assembly and filter assembly is provided wherein these respective assemblies are interconnected in a side-by-side relationship by pipes preferably located in a common housing structure. The combination is adapted for use in association with a kitchen sink or the like. The faucet assembly incorporates a valve for mixing hot and cold tap water and for diverting cold tap water for passage through a filter in the filter assembly. A spout is preferably associated with the faucet assembly. A pivotable faucet lever is preferably associated with the faucet assembly. The lever has a universal type of movement capability and is manipulated by an operator to accomplish regulating of either such mixing of such divertiing, and also the regulating of water volume issuing from the spout. Preferably, in mixing hot and cold in an operator selected ratio are fed to a mixing chamber adjacent the valve before dispensing of the resulting water mixture from a spout.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Pure Water, Inc.Inventors: David L. Bowers, Troy Livingston, Steve Park
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Patent number: 5979478Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a water treatment chemical to a water intake in a water system is disclosed. The water system has a water inlet and a pump for withdrawing water from a natural body of water, such as an underground aquifer, a river, a lake or the like. In a water system that draws water from a body of water that is inhabited by zebra mussels, the apparatus is operable, when water is being drawn into the system, to deliver a zebra mussel control agent to the inlet of the system to eliminate zebra mussels, if present, from the water system and to prevent the infestation of the water system by zebra mussels. In a water system that draws water from an underground aquifer, the apparatus is operable, when the system is drawing water, to deliver a water treatment chemical to or near the water inlet for the system and to cause thorough mixing of the water treatment chemical with the water, before it reaches a reservoir in the system, whereby undesired impurities are controlled or removed from the water.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Inventors: Andrew D. Screptock, Sylvia J. Screptock
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Patent number: 5979493Abstract: A flood control device which measures the volume of fluid delivered in a continuous steady flow to a house or building and which shuts off the fluid flow if a preset maximum limit is reached, indicating overly high consumption due to a leak, break or open faucet in the plumbing of the house or building. The flood control device includes a learning mode, which measures and stores information about the flow of the liquid through the flood control device.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Gary A. Isaacson, Jr.Inventor: Terry J. Simpkins, Jr.
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Patent number: 5979477Abstract: A burst disk assembly relies on a brittle material as the burst disk. Conventional manufacturing tolerances are suitable with the mounting assembly. Flatness and collinearly are achieved by an alignment adapter interfacing between an anvil and the burst disk, on the low-pressure side thereof. A seal, typically thinner than the alignment adapter, is held against the high-pressure side face of the burst disk by a pilot or loader face. All materials are ultra-pure, high-temperature tolerant, and non-reactive. Thin films over metal are not used. Reliable, repeatable, predicable burst pressures have been achieved without resort to highly specialized manufacturing processes. Ceramics and crystalline materials may serve as a burst disk, and quartz has been shown effective. Various grades of fluorocarbon materials have been found to provide suitable coatings, fixtures, and seals. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene forms a suitable seal. Slightly expanded PTFE such as that sold under the brand-name "Gylon.TM.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Trebor International, Inc.Inventor: Matthew J. Stillings
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Patent number: 5971025Abstract: A valve housing of a diaphragm valve has a first valve chamber, into which open a central channel and first and second channels. Valve seats are arranged in the housing, and a first diaphragm is adapted to seal against at least one of the first and second valve seats. A second valve chamber, into which opens a fourth channel, communicates with the central channel through an opening in the housing. A third valve seat is provided and a second diaphragm is adapted to seal the third valve seat.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Inventor: Ingvar Backlund
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Patent number: 5970996Abstract: A throttling valve (11) in particular for an airjet loom includes an electric drive (27) for two valve components (17, 19) subtending a throttling gap (25), the drive including motor displaceable in predetermined positions by means of a control and/or regulation unit for setting throtting gaps (25) of predetermined sizes.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Picanol NVInventors: Hugo Markey, Jozef Peeters, Dirk Lewyllie
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Patent number: 5971011Abstract: An apparatus to permit or stop the flow of water through a conduit is described as having a microprocessor which contains a real time clock, day of the week indication, and an elapsed time clock. Data relating to the quantity of water flowing at any given moment is supplied by a flowmeter to the microprocessor. Primary and subsetting information is supplied to the microprocessor to determine the maximum allowable quantity of water that may flow over a specified period of time. The subsetting parameters override the primary information if so enabled and supply replacement information for certain periods of time. The elapsed time clock is reset whenever the flow rate becomes zero (no water flowing) or when the predetermined period of time is exceeded prior to exceeding the predetermined quantity of water that is allowed to flow within that period of time. If the flow of the predetermined quantity of water is exceeded within the predetermined (allowable) time frame, a solenoid is energized.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Inventor: Stephen Jeffrey Price
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Patent number: 5967179Abstract: A low profile valve for discharging pressurized air to a system for utilizing such pressurized air. The valve includes a housing for mounting in or to an associated structure, and has at least one opening through which pressurized air is directed to and from the valve. A piston is located in the housing for axial movement therein, and the piston has a face portion containing a seal for sealing the piston against a fixed surface of the associated structure. In addition, a spring can be located about the piston for biasing the piston in the direction of the fixed surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake CompanyInventors: Michael V. Kazakis, Murtaza R. Dossaji, Charlie E. Jones
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Patent number: 5967178Abstract: An improved one-way valve consisting of a valve body containing a valve chamber with at least two surfaces and having first and second fluid ports each communicating with a respective one of said surfaces, and a flat valve member loosely located within said valve chamber and movable by fluid forces within said chamber into and out of a position to block fluid flow from said valve chamber through said first fluid port.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Inventor: Theodore E. Shrode
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Patent number: 5960823Abstract: A vacuum limiter valve assembly has a valve body screwed into an opening on a cargo tank. It has a relatively soft elastomeric, lightly spring-loaded seal closing the passageway through the valve body between the tank interior and the surrounding environment outside the tank. The relatively small area of the seal which would otherwise be exposed to tank cargo or vapors therefrom, is protected by a shield of material which is relatively inert and unaffected by most known chemicals, but also capable of a sealing function. The shield does not interfere with the normal sealing function, nor does it interfere with the opening of the vacuum limiter valve when needed to avoid development of excessive vacuum in the tank.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1998Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Electromechanical Research Laboratories, Inc.Inventor: Larry C. Wilkins
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Patent number: 5960821Abstract: A flow sensor device includes a main passage having a normally open shut off valve therein which is configured to shut off at a predetermined rate of air flow therethrough. The shut off valve includes a seating structure and a centering structure positioned within the main passage, a sealing member being positioned between the seating structure and centering structure. The sealing member is biased toward the centering structure by a resilient member. Air flow through the main passage exerts a force on the sealing member which pushes the sealing member toward the seating structure. When the force caused by the air flow exceeds the opposing force of the resilient member, the sealing member contacts the seating structure in a sealing relationship such that air flow through the main passage is substantially eliminated. The flow sensor device may also include a controllable release valve and/or a controllable reset valve, enabling control of the shut off valve of the main passage.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Inventor: Edwin Lee Johnson
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Patent number: 5957157Abstract: A pressure/vacuum vent of the present invention is mountable to the vent pipe of a storage tank. The vent includes a valve housing having a wall defining a chamber which is in fluid communication with said storage tank. It includes a first valve responsive to an over-pressure condition of a first pressure, a second valve responsive to an over-pressure condition at a second pressure; and a third valve responsive to an under-pressure condition. The first and second pressures are different so that one valve will open at a small pressure and the other will open at a larger pressure. The first valve is a poppet valve, and the second and third valves are diaphragm valves. The valve housing is contained in a vent housing. The vent housing includes a floor through with a bottom stem of the valve housing extends and which has drain holes. A cover is mounted to a top portion of the valve housing to cover the vent housing. The cover is spaced from a top of the vent housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1998Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Husky CorporationInventors: Thomas O. Mitchell, Arthur C. Fink, Jr.
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Patent number: 5957148Abstract: A main valve receives fluid at an inlet and transmits the fluid to an outlet. The main valve has a rear face. A surge control servo valve responds to a load sense signal and moves between a closed position and an open position in which the fluid is transmitted from the inlet to the rear face of the main valve, to close the main valve. A deadman control mechanism responds to a pneumatic control signal and actuates the surge control servo to the closed position when the load sense signal is less than a threshold value. The deadman control mechanism includes: a pneumatically operated piston, separate and distinct from the surge control servo, and a member connected to the piston for engaging the surge control servo within an atmospherically vented chamber. Also, a bypass valve system comprises a main valve for receiving fluid at an inlet and transmitting the fluid to tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: General Transervice, Inc.Inventor: Edward A. Sell