Patents Examined by Umashankar Venkatesan
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Patent number: 11484697Abstract: Pinch clamps are provided which generate positive displacement while also preventing rebound. To prevent rebound while providing positive displacement, the upper and lower clamping surfaces may be configured to form a pinch profile along which the tubing is compressed with the pinch point being formed at the distal end of the pinch profile. To further prevent rebound, the lower arm of the pinch clamp can include blocking ribs that interface with the upper clamping surface to prevent distal travelling of the pinch point even if the upper arm is forced into an over-engaged position.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2021Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Olivia Hu, Ralph L. Sonderegger, Shaun Staley
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Patent number: 11486513Abstract: A portable valve handwheel tool includes a main drive arm that is configured to rotate a valve handwheel. The main drive arm includes a first drive spoke having a first retainer configured to engage a first spoke of the valve handwheel. The main drive arm further includes a first plate and a drive hub that extends from a broad side of the first plate of the main drive arm. The portable valve handwheel tool also includes a second drive arm having a second drive spoke with a second retainer. The second retainer is configured to engage a second spoke of the valve handwheel. The second drive arm further includes a second plate having a second center hole that allows the drive hub to pass therethrough. The portable valve handwheel tool also includes a locking mechanism that attaches the main drive arm to the second drive arm.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2020Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventor: Albert E. Butterfield, IV
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Patent number: 11480251Abstract: Valve comprising a body (2), a centred butterfly (1), mounted with the ability to rotate inside the body (2) from an open position revealing the passage to a closed position covering said passage, and a seal (3) arranged inside a housing which is delimited by the seat and by a face, opposite the seat in the closed position, of the butterfly, the seat and the face converging towards the inside in the axial direction. The seal (3) moves freely in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2018Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: KSB SASInventor: Fabien Arnal
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Patent number: 11473684Abstract: A capacity control valve includes: a valve housing having a discharge port, a suction port and a control port; a rod driven by a solenoid; a main valve configured to open and close a communication between the discharge port and the control port; an opening and closing valve biased in a valve closing direction, and configured to open and close a CS communication passage communicating with the suction port and a control fluid supply chamber formed in the valve housing; and a CS valve to open and close a communication between the control port and the suction port, the CS valve body being movable relative to the main valve body, wherein the main valve body and the CS valve body move together as the rod moves in a closed state of the main valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2019Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Inventors: Masahiro Hayama, Kohei Fukudome, Keigo Shirafuji, Takahiro Ejima
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Patent number: 11473689Abstract: A passive tube closure valve comprising an elongated body extending along a first axis made of a shape memory alloy with a threshold contraction along the first axis at a threshold temperature. The closure valve further comprises a passageway extending along a second axis different from the first axis shaped to surround a conduit line extending along the second axis. The closure valve further includes a first modifying structure on a first portion of the passageway and a second modifying structure on a second portion of the passageway opposite the first modifying structure. Contraction of the elongated body can cause the first modifying structure and the second modifying structure to move towards each other; where movement of at least one of the first modifying structure or the second modifying structures can be configured to modify the conduit line.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2020Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Michael James Gherini, Ryan K. Gehmlich, Dorian K. Balch, Michael Christopher Maguire
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Patent number: 11473690Abstract: Automating the control of ball valves (BV) in engineering systems is designed for water supply, ventilation, air conditioning and heating systems. An electric actuator (EA) streamlines the process of automation of engineering systems by saving money and time. The EA with a coupling device is fastened to the BV stem. The coupling device comprises an engagement adapter with projections, an adapter washer and a securing member. The reduction gear main shaft is provided with a through hole for receiving the BV stem and the securing member, and a seat provided on the side of the EA and BV stem joint. The adapter washer is placed in the main shaft seat and the engagement adapter is joined permanently with the EA case and engages the BV body with projections.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2020Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Inventors: Vasilii Kasatochkin, Konstantin Siniagovskii
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Patent number: 11473682Abstract: A diaphragm valve includes: a valve body having formed therein a first valve chamber, a second valve chamber and a communication passage communicating between the two valve chambers; a valve seat formed in the communication passage; a valve mechanism including a diaphragm supporting a valve element that comes in contact with and separates from the valve seat and a second diaphragm; a pressurizing unit being configured to pressurize the first diaphragm so as to press the valve element against the valve seat; and a bonnet for holding an outer peripheral part of the second diaphragm between the bonnet and the valve body. The pressurizing unit is configured as a single integrated unit holding therein a movable body that moves in conjunction with the valve element via a stem.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2019Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: ASAHI YUKIZAI CORPORATIONInventors: Kenro Yoshino, Yusuke Oniki
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Patent number: 11466793Abstract: A bellows seal valve includes a pressurization port that can be used to apply a compensating pressure to the “atmosphere” side of the bellows, i.e. the side of the bellows that is opposite to the process fluid. The atmosphere side can be on the interior or exterior of the bellows. The compensating pressure can be greater than the process fluid pressure, to ensure that any leakage will be of pressurizing fluid into the process fluid or into the environment, and that no process fluid will escape into the environment. The pressure or flow rate of the pressurizing fluid can be monitored to detect bellows and packing leaks. A pressurizing fluid exit port can be provided, so that the pressurizing fluid can be circulated through the valve, thereby moderating the bellows temperature under conditions of extreme process fluid temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2021Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Flowserve Management CompanyInventors: Paul Jeffrey Parish, Michael P. Nelson
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Patent number: 11460122Abstract: A solenoid valve has a housing which comprises a first and a second housing part, wherein a flexible diaphragm is arranged between the first and the second housing part. A movably mounted actuating element is provided which is connected to the diaphragm and detaches the diaphragm from a valve seat in an operating position of the first and the second housing part upon movement into an open position, and which presses the diaphragm onto the valve seat upon movement into a closed position. The first and the second housing part can take up a service position in which the diaphragm is accessible. The diaphragm is connected with a positive fit to the actuating element in a nondestructively detachable manner such that in the service position, the diaphragm can be removed from the actuating element by releasing the positive fit and can be connected thereto by establishing a positive fit. An assembly and a method of replacing a diaphragm are furthermore proposed.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2021Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: Bürkert Werke GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Christian Bezold, Theresa Ruck
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Patent number: 11435008Abstract: Check valves include a valve seat and a movable valve member, or piston. Movement of the piston is what allows fluid to either flow or be prevented from flowing. A magnetic check valve is provided that contains an annular piston, which is configured such that the fluid flows through a central aperture in the piston. Fuel cell systems include a cathode loop which is in contact with the proton exchange membrane (PEM). The PEM is sensitive to fowling by contaminants that may be present in the ambient air. The magnetic check valve apparatus disclosed herein prevents backflow of air through the exhaust side of the cathode loop. The valve is used on the inlet side of the cathode as well.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2021Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Nuvera Fuel Cells, LLCInventor: Derek Butland
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Patent number: 11428342Abstract: In a vacuum ejector provided with a seal valve mechanism between a vacuum generation mechanism and a break flow path, the seal valve mechanism includes a valve plug that is biased toward a sealing opening from the break flow path side to block the seal opening, and is configured to open the seal opening by moving the valve plug away from the seal opening using a piston portion that operates according to supply air supplied from the vacuum generation mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2019Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: SMC CORPORATIONInventors: Toru Nakayama, Koji Sugano, Yasuhiro Ushijima
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Patent number: 11428343Abstract: An overfill prevention valve cooperative with a standpipe includes a plug, float, and seat that do not exceed the standpipe in diameter. The valve and standpipe can be inserted into a liquid holding tank from below. Rising liquid lifts the float and plug until the plug is sealed against the seat. The float can be above the seat and connected to the plug by a rod penetrating centrally through the seat. A check valve can enable draining of the holding tank when the liquid is withdrawn from the standpipe. The holding tank can be a fuel tank of a liquid fuel burning torch. A central reservoir system can automatically fill a plurality of holding tanks having the disclosed valves installed therein and connected in series by a plumbing system. Filling can be automatically terminated when a backpressure within the plumbing system exceeds a specified threshold.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2022Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Inventor: Joseph Pannullo
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Patent number: 11428325Abstract: A rotatable pressure relief valve assembly is provided. The assembly may comprise a butterfly valve, a spring actuator, and a diaphragm device having a flexible membrane. A linkage assembly may be provided with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end may be configured to engage with a terminal end of a piston of a spring actuator, and wherein the second end may be configured to engage with a latch arm of the diaphragm device. A pilot tube may be configured to transmit an inlet fluid pressure from the inlet side of the butterfly valve to the sealed chamber. The assembly may further comprise a buckling pin mechanism having a buckling pin. The diaphragm device may be configured to translate the inlet fluid pressure into a compressive force and to transmit the compressive force to the buckling pin, and the latch arm may be configured to disengage from the second end of the linkage assembly when the buckling pin has buckled.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2019Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: BS&B Innovations LimitedInventors: Zhanggang Wang, Tiago Martins De Freitas
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Patent number: 11427076Abstract: A portable fuel tank that is configured to be operably secured to an apparatus having a combustible engine so as to provide fuel for the operation thereof. The portable fuel tank includes a body having walls, top and a bottom integrally formed to create an interior volume for receiving and storing fuel. The body has a one-way valve secured to the top thereof. A fuel cap is hermetically sealed to the body and includes a fuel pickup line operably coupled thereto. The fuel transfer line is fluidly coupled to the machine having the combustible engine and includes a one-way valve and a quick connect assembly. Locking tabs are provided to secure a first portable tank to a second portable tank. A mateable fastener is formed in the body of the tank and is configured to be releasably secured to a mateable fastener on the machine.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2021Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Inventors: Matt Rocco, Micah Fuoco
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Patent number: 11428341Abstract: Technologies are described herein or a solenoid valve having an encapsulated magnetic piston. In some examples, the piston comprises a ferromagnetic core encapsulated by a low reactive outer shell. In some examples, the low reactive outer shell is selected for use within a system at a vacuum. In further examples, the valve is used in a cooling system that uses an adsorbent.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2019Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: OxiCool, Inc.Inventors: Ravikant T. Barot, Brandon K. Wilcox, David Lee Martin
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Patent number: 11421788Abstract: Disclosed is a valve, comprising a valve body, an inner valve seat and a valve core. The valve core is mounted in the valve body. The inner valve seat is mounted in the valve body. The inner valve seat has a annular body and a seal structure extending inwards from an inner peripheral surface of the annular body, wherein the seal structure is arranged in such a manner that the seal structure seals a gap formed among the valve body, the inner valve seat and the valve core when the valve is in a closed state. After the valve is used for discharging liquid, the amount of liquid residue inside the valve can be greatly reduced.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2018Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: SHANGHAI HONGYAN RETURNABLE TRANSIT PACKAGINGS CO., LTD.Inventor: Zhengwei Fang
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Patent number: 11421797Abstract: An actuator for a hydraulic stroke or pressure control valve for a motor vehicle, the actuator including a magnetisable actuator housing that envelops a magnet coil; a pole group arranged in a receiving opening of the actuator housing, wherein the pole group includes a pole core and a pole tube, wherein an axially movable armature is arranged in an inner cavity of the pole group, wherein the armature is configured to axially move a piston of the hydraulic valve by a pin that is supported axially movable in the pole group, wherein the actuator is configured to perform an anti-stick function and a contact damping function, wherein the pin directly contacts a first armature face of the armature that is oriented towards the pin, and wherein the pin is configured axially movable relative to the armature.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: ECO Holding 1 GmbHInventors: Thomas Jacob, Johannes Krebs, Diana Neufeld
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Patent number: 11415241Abstract: A valve (100) for a bioprocess liquid apparatus (199) comprises tubular sections (101, 102, 103) inside which valve seat means (155) are arranged. A plunger arrangement (150) is configured to selectively interact with the valve seat means to close and open the tubular sections in response to a magnetic field provided by solenoid arrangements (104, 105), the solenoid arrangements being arranged at the bioprocess liquid apparatus. A flow path device comprising such a valve and a bioprocess liquid apparatus and a method of handling a bioprocess liquid are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2019Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Cytiva Sweden ABInventors: Prashanth Hosabettu Mohan, Ajit S. Vernekar, Praveen Paul, Krishnadev Madhavan Nair, Manjunath Bhat
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Patent number: 11402025Abstract: A valve with a sleeve movable along its central axis regulates fluid flow between the orifices of a housing for the valve. The valve has a thermost including heat-sensitive and movable parts, the latter being translatable relative to the heat-sensitive part along the central axis during expansion of a thermodilatable material contained in the heat-sensitive part. The thermostat is kinematically connected to the housing by a stirrup and kinematically connected to the sleeve, such that movements between the heat-sensitive and movable parts regulate the sleeve. In order for the valve to be more compact and safer, the stirrup has an arm extending lengthwise parallel to the central axis and connecting inside the sleeve the heat-sensitive part to an attachment part of the housing, and a fastener at its longitudinal end opposite the thermostat suitable for locking to the attachment part by plastic deformation.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2017Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: VERNETInventor: Guillaume Gautier-Graindorge
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Patent number: 11402102Abstract: A cooking appliance and system for a two-step activation for a gas cooktop burner includes at least one control selector having an output representative of a valve position and a touch sensor having an output representative of a permission to operate the valve, with a user-configurable two-step activation sequence used to control a digital gas valve and an ignitor for the gas cooktop burner to ignite and activate the gas cooktop burner.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2020Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: MIDEA GROUP CO., LTD.Inventor: Richard W. Cowan