Patents Examined by William McCalister
  • Patent number: 9309990
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure gauge device featuring setting for automatic supply and termination of pressure, which includes a pressure gauge, a rotary knob, a rotary knob conductive piece, a rotary knob indicator, and a control device. The pressure gauge includes a hand sweep zone and an electrically conductive indication hand is arranged in the hand sweep zone. The pressure gauge includes a resetting conductive piece. The rotary knob is coupled to the rotary knob conductive piece and the rotary knob indicator and is set outside an outer circumference of the hand sweep zone of the pressure gauge. The resetting conductive piece and the rotary knob indicator are each set in the hand sweep zone and located on a rotation path of the indication hand. The resetting conductive piece and the rotary knob indicator are each in electrical connection with the control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventor: Chi-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 9310810
    Abstract: An adjustable damping valve device (27), in particular for a vibration damper, comprises a first valve (47) and an emergency operation valve (61), both of which are actuated by magnetic force. The emergency operation has a valve body (61) which is preloaded in a closed position by at least one valve spring. A pressure-relief valve (85) is connected hydraulically in parallel with the emergency operation valve (61) so that the damping force is determined by the pressure-relief valve (85) when the emergency operation valve (61) is closed. The pressure-relief valve (85) is arranged in the valve body (63) of the emergency operation valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Andreas Förster
  • Patent number: 9304030
    Abstract: A mass flow controller comprises a flow rate measuring part that measures a flow rate of a fluid flowing in a flow channel and outputs a measured flow rate value, a control valve, a valve control part that controls an opening degree of the control valve based on an entirely-close command to entirely close the control valve compulsorily or a set flow rate value set as a target value, and an external output part that outputs an external output flow rate value based on the measured flow rate value to the outside, and at a time when the valve control part receives the entirely close command or zero as the set flow rate value, the external output part outputs zero as the external output flow rate value, irrespective of the measured flow rate value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: HORIBA STEC, Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuki Tanaka, Toshihiro Kashima
  • Patent number: 9298191
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting leaks using sensors to report the leak and communicate with a control unit to turn off the source of the leak once detected. A valve can be turned off in the event of a leak and embodiments employing battery power can function during loss of power such as a power blackout. Wireless sensors can be employed to detect leaks that wirelessly communicate with a control and operate solely with a designated control unit. The wireless sensors can operate using low power provided by batteries. The control panel can display alarm conditions from the sensors, including: low battery, poor signal, wet sensor, communication failure, sensor failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Timothy Meyer
  • Patent number: 9289094
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a steam chamber. In one exemplary embodiment, a steam chamber is placed in selective communication with a vacuum pump and a heat transfer medium, such as a source of deaerated water. The steam chamber is then placed in communication with the vacuum pump, which draws a vacuum on the steam chamber and begins removing air from the interior thereof. Once a sufficient vacuum has been drawn on the steam chamber and substantially all of the air removed therefrom, the steam chamber may be placed in communication with the heat transfer medium. In one exemplary embodiment, the heat transfer medium is deaerated water. A predetermined amount of heat transfer medium is then allowed to fill the steam chamber. Once the predetermined amount of deaerated water has been received within the steam chamber, a steam chamber may be sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: ACCUTEMP PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Larry R. Wolf
  • Patent number: 9285041
    Abstract: A multistage, pilot-operated pressure regulator for pressure adjustment and/or back pressure relief and/or differential pressure or flow control applications comprises a diaphragm and a plurality of plates, including a throttle plate and at least one flow control plate. In at least one embodiment, the throttle plate includes a sloped upper surface for contacting the diaphragm, and a plurality of apertures residing within a plurality of concentric rows. In addition, in at least one embodiment, at least one flow control plate is positioned downstream of the throttle plate, the at least one flow control plate including a plurality of apertures residing within a plurality of concentric rows. A method of controlling the flow of fluid in a conduit is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventors: Richard J. Mooney, Pamela Mooney
  • Patent number: 9285127
    Abstract: A hardware system that performs new energy- and water-saving, restorative tasks upon use is provided. In some aspects of the invention, energy-saving hot water recapturing techniques are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the system may push hot water back to a water tank, and halt such pushing after capturing all such hot water. In other aspects, specialized energy-saving pipes further assist the system, and a user's behavior may also assist the system in implementing additional energy and water-saving options and settings, including, but not limited to, a “Final Rinse” option and the timing of ending water service. In still other aspects, a user's ending use of water service a plumbing may also trigger an ending spray of handled parts of those fixtures and, optionally, a soap or antiseptic spray or other secretion. The same technology may be applied to other handles and fixtures, like door handles or elevator buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Inventor: Christopher V. Beckman
  • Patent number: 9285079
    Abstract: A gas supply system is provided. The system includes a plurality of component gas supply pipes, a plurality of flow rate control mechanisms for controlling flow rates of the component gases flowing in the component gas supply pipes, and a material gas supply pipe connected with downstream ends of the component gas supply pipes, and connected with one of the gas supply ports at a downstream. The flow rate control mechanism includes flow rate control valves, individual pressure sensors, and fluid resistance elements provided to the component gas supply pipes in this order from upstream, respectively, a common pressure sensor, and controllers for calculating the flow rates of the gases flowing in the component gas supply and controlling the flow rate control valves of the corresponding component gas supply pipes so that the calculated component gas flow rate approaches a predetermined gas flow rate, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: HORIBA STEC, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Yamaguchi, Tadahiro Yasuda
  • Patent number: 9279514
    Abstract: An air release valve which includes a housing, an inlet, an outlet, a valve seat, a buoyant closure member and a variable throttle arrangement is provided. The housing defines a chamber and the buoyant closure member is positioned in the chamber and is displaceable between a lower position in which it is clear of the valve seat and permits the flow of fluid through the chamber and an upper position in which it seats sealingly against the valve seat to interrupt the flow of fluid through the chamber, the closure member being displaced, in use, from its lower position to its raised position by the buoyant forces acting thereon as a result of the entry of liquid into the chamber through the inlet. The throttle arrangement is configured to throttle air flow and inhibit premature closing of the closure member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Inventor: Allistair Potroneus Balutto
  • Patent number: 9279756
    Abstract: A flush valve for a waste water system comprises a valve including a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a main valve element adapted for movement to allow fluid flow between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet based on a pressure differential across a portion of the main valve element. The valve also includes a vent system comprising a control chamber in flow communication with the fluid inlet of the valve and a vent outlet in flow communication with the fluid outlet of the valve, and a solenoid for venting fluid venting fluid from the control chamber to the fluid outlet. A pressure sensor, such as an electronic pressure transducer, senses the fluid pressure of fluid within the vent system. When a predetermined pressure threshold is reached or exceeded, the solenoid can be energized to release fluid from the control chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: SDB IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Shawn D. Bush
  • Patent number: 9279513
    Abstract: Provided is a valve including a housing fitted with a valve coupling port being in flow communication with a gas inlet valve component and an independent gas discharge valve component. The gas inlet valve component includes a normally closed valve inlet port and an outlet barrier configured for spontaneous opening to thereby facilitate only ingress of ambient gas into the housing upon pressure drop at the valve coupling port The gas discharge valve component including a valve discharge port and a displaceable float member to thereby facilitate spontaneous egress of substantially only gas from the housing and remain closed upon presence of liquid within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: DOROT MANAGEMENT CONTROL VALVES LTD.
    Inventors: Assaf Heimann, Izhar Bahir
  • Patent number: 9279367
    Abstract: The fluid pressure regulating valve is for use in an aircraft engine. The valve has at least a first fluid inlet, a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet. The valve comprises: a valve housing having a first valve spool interior cavity; a first fluid path within the valve housing from the fluid inlet to the first fluid outlet; a second fluid path within the valve housing from the fluid inlet to the second fluid outlet; a first valve spool mounted for reciprocal motion within the first valve spool cavity between a first position and a second position, the first valve spool having a second valve spool interior cavity and being spring-biased to its first position; and a second valve spool mounted for reciprocal motion within the second valve spool cavity between a first position and a second position, the second valve spool being spring-biased to its first position, the second valve spool closing the first fluid path at its second position when the first valve spool is substantially at its first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Johnny Vinski, Daniel Blais, Stephane Fortier
  • Patent number: 9273449
    Abstract: A modular potable water distribution manifold for an aircraft water supply and drainage system includes a tubular element with a first manifold quick connector adapted to mate with a flexible hose connector and having a flow control poppet, a second manifold quick connector having a flow control poppet, the second manifold quick connector adapted mate with a terminating self-venting/self-draining device, and a rotating ferrule that mates the second manifold with the self-venting/self-draining device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventor: Peter John Leslie Burd
  • Patent number: 9268337
    Abstract: A method of measuring contamination in fluid that is expelled from a food processing system is presented. The method of measuring is carried out with fluorescence. The fluid is typically allowed to enter into an energy transfer system, but if the contamination exceeds a certain level, the fluid should be prevented from entering the energy transfer system. The fluid is generally comprised of water expelled from a sugar processing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Ling Liang, Patrick P. Chen, Rodney H. Banks, Michael W. Willer, Narasimha M. Rao
  • Patent number: 9261201
    Abstract: Provided is an automatic gas purge valve system including a normally closed gas discharge faucet configured for discharging gas at substantially high flow rates, and an automatic valve unit configured for selectively generating a flow pulse to displace the gas discharge faucet into its open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: A.R.I. FLOW CONTROL ACCESSORIES LTD.
    Inventor: Meir Shoval
  • Patent number: 9261235
    Abstract: Method for controlling the pressure in a transportable cryogenic tank (1), especially a tank (1) mounted on a transportable platform (2) capable of being moved by a truck, the tank (1) being made of steel and containing pressurized liquid hydrogen, the method comprising at least one of the following: continuously or periodically measuring the temperature in the tank (1) and continuously or periodically measuring the level of the liquid in the tank and, when the measured temperature exceeds a set upper temperature threshold (Ts) lying between minus 140° C. and minus 160° C., and, respectively, when the liquid level in the tank drops below a set liquid level threshold, the pressure in the tank (1) is limited to a value less than or equal to a set pressure threshold (Pmax) lying between 1.5 and 3 bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventor: Hervé Barthelemy
  • Patent number: 9255465
    Abstract: A control program for a positive displacement metering system measures the time required for the travel of a free piston in a cylinder of known volume to determine an average flow rate during a full stroke of the piston. The system may also measure and record the inlet and outlet pressures or the differential pressure between the fluid inlet and outlet. The control program positions a four-way valve which may function as an adjustable metering orifice in response to the measured average flow rate and/or changes in the inlet and outlet pressures to achieve the desired flow rate. At the end of each stroke, the four-way valve is repositioned to reverse fluid flow through the metering cylinder. The system may revise the valve position settings for both forward and reverse strokes based on the measured time required for a full stroke at a certain valve position. In this way, the system automatically and iteratively compensates for changes in fluid properties and fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Smith, IV, Maurice Slot, Richard R. Watson
  • Patent number: 9249896
    Abstract: A system for hydraulically managing fluid pressure between selected set points includes a pilot control system operably coupled to a main valve. The pilot control system includes at least one fluid conduit, a variable orifice assembly, and a control pilot valve apparatus. Fluid is passed through a fixed orifice and into a first chamber of the control pilot valve apparatus. Fluid is passed through the variable orifice of the variable orifice assembly and into a second chamber of the control pilot valve apparatus. The main valve is hydraulically opened or closed in response to a pressure differential between the first and second chambers of the control pilot valve apparatus so as to manage fluid pressure downstream of the main valve between the selected upper and lower set points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: CLA-VAL CO.
    Inventor: Robert Folk
  • Patent number: 9250631
    Abstract: A continuous flow regulator for vehicle heating systems includes a body configured to be connected in-line with coolant flowing through the heating coil of the heating system. A spring biased ball valve assembly is disposed in the body and is configured to restrict flow through the regulator in response to increasing flow rate of coolant and to open flow through the regulator in response to decreasing flow rate of coolant. Flow rate of coolant is therefore continuously adjusted and regulated to protect the heater core from corrosion due to high coolant flows therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: AirSept, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Becker, Myron Stein
  • Patent number: 9249564
    Abstract: A sanitary installation element that is arranged in a water line includes a mixing device with at least one throttling or closing element, which throttling or closing element can be moved under the pressure of the inflowing water from a mixing or open position into a throttling or closed position against a restoring force, wherein the mixing device offers a relatively large clear flow cross section when the at least one throttling or closing element in the mixing or open position, and, by contrast thereto, a reduced clear flow cross section when the at least one throttling or closing element is in the throttling or closed position. The installation element always offers an optimum flow cross section both in low and high pressure ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: NEOPERL GMBH
    Inventors: Uwe Zoller, Christoph Weis, Hermann Grether