Patents by Inventor Bernard L. Kunz

Bernard L. Kunz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5370354
    Abstract: A hermetic solenoid valve structure and method of forming the same wherein the valve housing includes two sections of thinly formed flexible material are hermetically joined to provide two chambers of selected volume in which a ported piston valve assembly including two separate, relatively moveable piston members is disposed with a solenoid assembly surrounding the valve assembly to control fluid flow through the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Bernard L. Kunz
  • Patent number: 5259416
    Abstract: A latching valve for a fluid system including a valve housing, ported body chamber, and valve lids to control fluid flow between the ports, the valve lids being actuated by a moveable springloaded armature which, in turn, is controlled by a solenoid coil and readily replaceable permanent magnet which acts independently of the solenoid coil during latching operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Bernard L. Kunz, Randy L. Bomkamp, Gary E. Horst
  • Patent number: 5251667
    Abstract: A three-way control valve structure for a variable fluid system including first and second valve inlet ports and a valve outlet in a ported chamber with control means to operate valve lids for the valve inlet ports to close such inlet ports in response to a preselected condition in the variable fluid system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Bernard L. Kunz, Randy L. Bomkamp
  • Patent number: 4432492
    Abstract: A thermostatic expansion valve for use in a refrigeration system (e.g., a refrigerated display case) in which the superheat range of the valve may be conveniently adjusted from a location remote from the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1984
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Bernard L. Kunz
  • Patent number: 4325508
    Abstract: A thermostatic expansion valve for use in a refrigeration system (e.g., a refrigerated display case) in which the superheat range of the valve may be conveniently adjusted from a location remote from the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1982
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Bernard L. Kunz
  • Patent number: 4268006
    Abstract: A pilot controlled, diaphragm actuated valve having simplified construction is provided which is capable of maintaining a variety of valve operating positions. In the preferred embodiment, the valve pin is controlled precisely with respect to the pilot opening in the diaphragm to permit modulation of the diaphragm position. Control of the valve pin is maintained through the use of a power assembly which positions the valve pin in accordance with some sensed system variable. The valve includes structure for reducing instability of the valve over the valve operating range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1981
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Bernard L. Kunz, David P. Hargraves
  • Patent number: 4239177
    Abstract: A regulator valve having a balanced port construction is provided with a balanced piston design, the piston being operated under positive control in all valve positions. The piston regulates fluid flow through the valve. The piston is operatively connected to a heat motor, and the electrical energy input to the heat motor is used to adjust piston position. Because of the balanced piston design, valve operation is dependent solely upon electrical energy input to the heat motor, and precise control of a refrigeration system, for example, may be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Steven E. Williams, Bernard L. Kunz
  • Patent number: 4171087
    Abstract: An expansion valve for a refrigeration system, and in particular, for a reversible flow or heat pump application is provided in which the valve is electrically operated by a heat motor mounted to a valve body. The valve includes a valve stem operatively connected to the heat motor. The valve stem position, and consequently, valve operation, is controlled by heat motor operation. Because of the reverse flow nature of the fluid flow in the system described, means for protecting the heat motor from fluid leakage is necessary, if the valve is to function properly. The valve of this invention includes bleed or drain means positioned to drain fluid from the heat motor, and seal means on the valve stem of the valve to reduce flow leakage along the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1979
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Bernard L. Kunz
  • Patent number: 3967781
    Abstract: An expansion valve for a refrigeration system is provided in which the flow through the expansion valve is controlled electrically. The preferred valve embodiment utilizes a straight line configuration in that a valve body is mounted within a suitable shell. The valve body has an axial opening through it, and one end of the valve body defines an expansion port. A valve pin is movably mounted between a first position closing the expansion port and a second position opening the expansion port. Electrically energizable means are mounted to the valve body. The electrically energizable means include thermostatic expansion means operatively connected to the valve pin. The thermostatic expansion means expand axially in response to temperature change, which movement actuates valve pin operation, between closed and opened positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1976
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Bernard L. Kunz