Patents Examined by Umashankar Venkatesan
  • Patent number: 11781669
    Abstract: An air valve comprises a casing, a valve body driving assembly and a valve body. The casing comprises a chamber, a vent hole, and at least one switching hole communicating with the chamber. The valve body driving assembly is disposed in the chamber, and comprises a pusher, a shape memory metal wire in a linkage relationship with the pusher, and two conductive members disposed in the casing and located at two ends of the shape memory metal wire respectively, the pusher travels a uniaxial displacement stroke due to a temporary change of the shape memory metal wire. The valve body is disposed in the chamber and faces the switching hole, when the pusher travels the uniaxial displacement stroke, the valve body is driven to rotate a central angle relative to the switching hole to change a ventilation state between the switching hole and the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: TANGTRING SEATING TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: Tsun-Hsiang Wen, Shih-Chung Hsu, Jun Xie, Jian Zeng, Xian-Chang Zou
  • Patent number: 11781671
    Abstract: A manifold body includes a body block, with one or more end connections each extending laterally outward from a first surface of the body block, one or more lower valve cavities each recessed laterally inward from the first surface, one or more upper valve cavities each recessed laterally inward from the first surface and connected with a corresponding one of the one or more lower valve cavities by a vertically extending second passage, one or more lower end ports each extending laterally outward from a second surface of the body block and connected with a corresponding one of the one or more lower valve cavities by a laterally extending third passage, and one or more upper end ports each extending laterally outward from the second surface and connected with a corresponding one of the one or more upper valve cavities by a laterally extending fourth passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Branden W. Keeper, William H. Glime, III, Samuel Gunther Houser
  • Patent number: 11777283
    Abstract: A system and method for a modular inland pipeline valve control station includes a control valve, a control enclosure, a flow instrument, and a piping spool connected to a pipeline. The modular inland pipeline valve station is transportable and controlled from a central control location. The modular inland pipeline valve station is constructed, assembled, tested, and commissioned with the center control center at a module yard prior to being transported and installed at the pipeline. The modules can be installed slightly offset to the pipeline with drop-out or curved rotatable spools to allow possible access to the pipeline for testing and inspection and for connecting a pig receiver, pig launcher or a bypass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Inventor: Maoz Betser-Zilevitch
  • Patent number: 11773687
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system for actuating a control valve includes a control module. The control module is coupled to the surface via two hydraulic lines and an electrical power line. The control module uses one of the hydraulic lines as an open line and the other line as a close line. The control module includes a normally closed (NC) solenoid valve (SOV) that is coupled to the electrical power line and may be controlled from the surface to open or close. The opening or closing of the NC SOV in cooperation with hydraulic pressure on an open or close line operates (i.e., closes or opens) the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Lorenzzo Breda Minassa, Robert William Gissler
  • Patent number: 11753913
    Abstract: A method of unloading and producing liquids from a well uses a plurality of gas injection valves installed on a production tubing. The injection valves are controlled by pressure signals transmitted through a single fluid control line. A first pressure signal is applied to the control line to open the plurality of injection valves. Gas is pumped into the annulus at an injection pressure until a first pressure drop occurs in the injection pressure, the first pressure drop being indicative of gas flowing through a first, upper one of the injection valves. Pumping of gas is continued until a second pressure drop occurs in the injection pressure, the second pressure drop being indicative of gas flowing through a second, lower one of the injection valves. A second, lower pressure signal then is applied to close the first injection valve while leaving the second injection valve open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: KHOLLE Magnolia 2015, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen W. Turk, Michael S. Juenke, E. Lee Colley, III
  • Patent number: 11746923
    Abstract: A control valve and a membrane for a moving a valve disk of a control valve between a first position and a second position are provided. The membrane has a central axis perpendicular to an extension plane of the membrane. The membrane includes an outer annular rim portion, a central portion configured to be connected the valve disk, and a flexible portion that is annular and provided between the central portion and the outer annular rim portion. The membrane is flexible to permit the central portion to move back and forth along the central axis, thereby permitting the valve disk to move to one of the first position and the second position. The membrane is designed with an inherent pre-tensioning of the flexible portion, which permits the membrane to exert a force on the valve disk from the first position towards the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: DeLaval Holding AB
    Inventors: Souren Kerikorian, Krister Lindström, Peter Rehnström
  • Patent number: 11739855
    Abstract: Systems and apparatuses include a solenoid valve including a first coil, a second coil coupled to the first coil, a banjo fitting coupled to the second coil, a spool housing coupled to the banjo fitting so that the first coil and the second coil are selectively rotatable about the spool housing, a spool received within the spool housing, and an armature received within the first coil and the second coil and including a spool actuator coupled to the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Ayoub Maher, Jerry Brinkley, Michelle Sterrett
  • Patent number: 11731243
    Abstract: An actuator is configured to couple with a controlled member and includes first and second pistons disposed in respective internal chambers. The first piston may be moveable between first and second positions. The second piston may be moveable between third and fourth positions. The second piston may be configured not to engage the first piston when the second piston is disposed at the third position. The second piston may be configured to move the first piston to the second position as the second piston moves from the third position to the fourth position. A resilient member may be disposed to resiliently urge the second piston toward the fourth position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Cold Jet, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Mallaley, Richard Joseph Broecker
  • Patent number: 11732819
    Abstract: A servo valve includes: a fluid transfer valve assembly comprising a supply port and a control port (PA, PB); a moveable valve spool arranged to regulate flow of fluid from the supply port to the control port in response to a control signal; and a drive means configured to axially move the valve spool relative to the fluid transfer assembly in response to the control signal to regulate the fluid flow. The drive means comprises an elongate member arranged to rotate in response to the control signal. The elongate member has a cam profile in the fluid flow path such as to vary the pressure acting on the ends of the spool as the cam profile rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zbigniew Jaśkiewicz, Przemyslaw Kielczykowski
  • Patent number: 11725746
    Abstract: A valve closure device for a check valve can include a first valve member configured to rotate from an open position to a closed position; a second valve member configured to rotate from an open position of the second valve member to a closed position of the second valve member; and a hydraulic dampener coupled to each of the first valve member and the second valve member in each of the open position and the closed position of each of the first valve member and the second valve member, the hydraulic dampener configured to resist rotation of the first valve member towards the closed position of the first valve member and the second valve member towards the closed position of the second valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Michael Allen, Justin Blaine Childress, Christopher Joseph Duckett
  • Patent number: 11725737
    Abstract: Fluid circulation valve, the said valve comprising a housing (1) and a body (2) for circulation of fluid, the said body (2) being located at least partially within the said housing (1), the said body (2) being attached to the housing (1) and having a passage (4) for fluid between the said body (2) and the said housing (1), the said valve further comprising a control member (30) that can be actuated electromagnetically, the said control member (30) being able to move with respect to the said body (2) so as to selectively open or close the said passage (4), the said body (2) having at least locally a tubular configuration at the said passage (4), the said control member (30) being able to slide along the said body (2) at least at the said passage (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventors: Stefan Karl, Mohamed Yahia, Jin-Ming Liu, Bertrand Nicolas, Roland Akiki
  • Patent number: 11719361
    Abstract: A valve includes a valve body with an inlet and an outlet coupled to a tubular conduit operable to circulate a flow of a process fluid, an actuator with an interior volume divided by a valve diaphragm into a first volume portion that encloses a working fluid and a second volume portion, and a plug coupled to the valve diaphragm and operable to move toward an open position or a closed position based on movement of the valve diaphragm relative to a pressure of the working fluid. A seal isolator is coupled to the tubular conduit and includes an isolator diaphragm having a first side exposed to the flow of the fluid and a second side fluidly coupled to the first volume portion through the working fluid. The isolator diaphragm is configured to transmit a pressure of the flow of the process fluid to the pressure of the working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Sultan Maseer Alshammari
  • Patent number: 11713823
    Abstract: Example embodiments disclose a valve seat that encloses a fluid passage for passage of a fluid from a fluid chamber, and a holding element that exerts a holding force on a valve body, the holding force acting in a direction towards a valve seat. In the event that the fluid acts on an effective surface of the valve body with a force or a pressure above a limit value, the valve body moves away from the valve seat. In the event that the fluid acts on an effective surface of the holding element with a force or a pressure above a limit value, the holding force acting on the valve body decreases. In doing so, the fluid acts on the holding element more strongly and/or earlier than on the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: TRUMA GERÄTETECHNIK GmbH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Kai Armesto-Beyer, Michael Weber
  • Patent number: 11708914
    Abstract: Valves may include an opening sized and shaped to permit a subject fluid to flow through the opening when the opening is unobstructed. A heat exchange element may be located proximate to the opening, the heat exchange element positioned and configured to induce a localized phase change in the subject fluid to form and unform a solid plug from the subject fluid around at least a portion of the heat exchange element. A heat transfer rate of the heat exchange element may be variable to control a rate of flow of the subject fluid through the valve by controlling a size of the solid plug from the subject fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignees: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, University of Idaho
    Inventors: Piyush Sabharwall, Richard N. Christensen, Paul Marotta
  • Patent number: 11698144
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body defining an interior cavity extending to a bonnet portion, a valve stem including a valve element retained in the interior cavity of the valve body and an end portion extending beyond the bonnet portion, the valve stem being rotatable between a first limit position and a second limit position, and a spring return handle arrangement. The spring return handle arrangement includes a user graspable valve handle, a stem adapter, and a return spring. The stem adapter includes a first end portion secured to the valve stem and a second end portion secured to the valve handle. The return spring includes a first end portion secured to the valve body, an intermediate spring loaded portion, and a second end portion secured to the stem adapter to apply a torsional load to the stem adapter for returning the valve stem to the first rotational limit position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Matthew Dixon, Karim Mahraz
  • Patent number: 11692641
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved fluid valve control device which attaches to a pre-existing and pre-installed hex head valve. The valve control device has at least one lever which can be used to turn the valve on or off. This device can be attached to a manifold assembly that has a valve which typically requires a tool to control so that it eliminates the need for a separate tool being used to turn the valve on or off after installation at relatively low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Inventor: Jeffrey Bailey
  • Patent number: 11691432
    Abstract: An example air purging device includes a removable housing. The removable housing includes a first fluid interface to fluidically couple a fluid tube to the housing and a bore housing a plunger. In an example, movement of the plunger from a first orientation to a second orientation allows for the removal of the removable housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Craig L Malik, Ronald J Ender
  • Patent number: 11685528
    Abstract: A solenoid valve including a non-sliding plunger assembly. The solenoid valve disclosed herein generally includes a plunger assembly that is moveably suspended within an internal chamber of a housing of the solenoid valve away from any sliding contact with adjacent surfaces. The plunger assembly may not be in sliding contact with any of the adjacent surfaces, and thus a radial gap may be defined between the plunger assembly and all non-moving, non-flexing features and surfaces of the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve may include a flexural washer that is resiliently flexible and is configured to enable selective axial movement of the plunger assembly in response to energizing the solenoid coil. In various embodiments, the flexural washer is configured to moveably suspend the plunger assembly within the internal chamber away from any sliding contact with adjacent surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Poly Puthur John, Mahammadrafi Bagawan
  • Patent number: 11680648
    Abstract: A device for regulating the flow of a fluid comprises a valve housing having at least two valve ports, at least one valve seat, a valve member having a closing body, and an actuating unit for actuating the closing body. The valve member further comprises an actuation section, which is connected via at least one connecting web to the closing body for moving the closing body. A surrounding seal extends between the closing body and the actuation section, and separates the closing body and the actuation section from one another. The at least one connecting web is arranged such that the closing body is pivotable upon actuation of the actuation section by the actuating unit to move the valve member and thus the closing body relative to the at least one valve seat. The valve member is arranged to minimize, during the movement of the closing body, deformations in a passage area of the seal through which the at least one connecting web extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Asco Numatics GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Spittelmeister, Peter Metternich De Oliveira, Felix Ams, Morgan Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 11682776
    Abstract: The invention relates to a metering valve (1) for controlling a gaseous medium, in particular hydrogen, comprising a valve housing (2), wherein an interior space (3) is formed in the valve housing (2). A reciprocating closing element (10) is arranged in the interior space (3), which interacts with a valve seat (37) for opening or closing at least one passage channel (25). Furthermore, the metering valve (1) comprises a nozzle (11), the at least one passage channel (25) being formed in the nozzle (11) and the passage channel (25) having a circular-cylindrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Gruenberger, Armin Richter, Hans-Christoph Magel, Stephan Wursthorn