Patents by Inventor Dwight N. Johnson
Dwight N. Johnson 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: 8250906Abstract: A leak detector for use with a piping system, where the leak detector includes a housing configured to be attached to a conduit and a valve configured and arranged for axial movement with respect to the housing. Additionally, there is a magnet attached to the valve for movement therewith. Embodiments of the invention also preferably include a magnetically-actuated switch positioned within the leak detector along an axial flow path of a fluid such that axial movement of the magnet triggers the switch, which indicates fluid flow through the leak detector. In certain embodiments, there is also a leak passageway that permits a relatively small amount of fluid to pass to an outlet side of the valve even when a diaphragm is in seating contact with the valve if fluid pressure on the outlet side of the valve is slightly lower than fluid pressure on an inlet side of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Sloan Valve CompanyInventor: Dwight N. Johnson
-
Patent number: 8028719Abstract: A control stop for a flush valve for a urinal or toilet fixture includes a housing defining a flow chamber divided by a valve seat into inlet and outlet sections. A valve structure is biased toward the valve seat by a spring applying a valve closing spring force. The housing is sealed by a diaphragm, and the diaphragm covers the movable valve structure, isolating it from water flowing through the housing. The diaphragm does not impede valve structure movement, and the closing spring force establishes a threshold water supply pressure for opening the control stop during increasing pressure following a no or low supply pressure condition. A plurality of control stops may supply a bank of flush valves and fixtures, and open in a cascading sequence during increasing pressure as a result of having springs with different closing spring forces.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Sloan Valve CompanyInventor: Dwight N. Johnson
-
Publication number: 20110121213Abstract: A flush valve assembly including a discharge receiver with a plug opening therein, a sleeve, a main valve assembly positioned within the sleeve, and a main diaphragm sealingly connected between the main valve assembly and the sleeve. The main diaphragm and the main valve assembly define a control chamber on an upper side thereof and an inlet region on a lower side thereof. The assembly also includes a discharge plug with a flange portion configured to be received in the plug opening in the discharge receiver. When the flush valve assembly is in a non-pressurized condition, the flange portion of the discharge plug is not seated within the plug opening of the discharge receiver, and when the flush valve assembly is in a pressurized condition, the flange portion of the discharge plug is seated within the plug opening of the discharge receiver. The flushing operation may be electronic and/or manual.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2009Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: SLOAN VALVE COMPANYInventors: Dwight N. Johnson, Donna D. Johnson
-
Publication number: 20100095744Abstract: A leak detector for use with a piping system, where the leak detector includes a housing configured to be attached to a conduit and a valve configured and arranged for axial movement with respect to the housing. Additionally, there is a magnet attached to the valve for movement therewith. Embodiments of the invention also preferably include a magnetically-actuated switch positioned within the leak detector along an axial flow path of a fluid such that axial movement of the magnet triggers the switch, which indicates fluid flow through the leak detector. In certain embodiments, there is also a leak passageway that permits a relatively small amount of fluid to pass to an outlet side of the valve even when a diaphragm is in seating contact with the valve if fluid pressure on the outlet side of the valve is slightly lower than fluid pressure on an inlet side of the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2008Publication date: April 22, 2010Applicant: SLOAN VALVE COMPANYInventor: Dwight N. Johnson
-
Patent number: 7650653Abstract: A self-contained, modular electrically-operated faucets is disclosed which has all of its components which are likely to need replacement over the life of the device contained in removable modules which may be quickly and easily removed and replaced without necessitating the removal of the device from its installed location. The modular electrically-operated faucet of the present invention is configurable to be either deck mountable or wall mountable, and to allow either a conventional faucet spout or a gooseneck spout to be mounted thereupon. Optionally, when the modules of the modular electrically-operated faucet of the present invention are accessed for removal and replacement, the flow of water through the device may be automatically deactivated by merely removing the housing of the modular electrically-operated faucet.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2005Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Geberit Technik AGInventors: Dwight N. Johnson, Anthony Raul Martinez, James Bobic, Silvio Marti
-
Publication number: 20090283156Abstract: A control stop for a flush valve for a urinal or toilet fixture includes a housing defining a flow chamber divided by a valve seat into inlet and outlet sections. A valve structure is biased toward the valve seat by a spring applying a valve closing spring force. The housing is sealed by a diaphragm, and the diaphragm covers the movable valve structure, isolating it from water flowing through the housing. The diaphragm does not impede valve structure movement, and the closing spring force establishes a threshold water supply pressure for opening the control stop during increasing pressure following a no or low supply pressure condition. A plurality of control stops may supply a bank of flush valves and fixtures, and open in a cascading sequence during increasing pressure as a result of having springs with different closing spring forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2009Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
-
Patent number: 7617949Abstract: A turbine wheel and gear system rotate an output shaft in response to flow, where the output shaft is connected to a clutch cup that engages a clutch and valve disk. The disk cooperates with a valve seat formed on a piston to permit/prevent flow within the piston. During flow, the clutch clamps to the disk, and the piston and disk move downstream until an associated control member hits a stop, opening the valve (as the disk stops), while the piston continues downstream. The clutch rotates the disk and control member, and if a maximum flow volume occurs, the control member rotates to an interrupt position and is released from the stop, closing the valve. Passages allow restricted flow to disengage the clutch and permit a spring to move the piston and valve upstream until engaging a reset cam that rotates the control member back to an initial position.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
-
Patent number: 7565914Abstract: A control stop for a flush valve for a urinal or toilet fixture includes a housing defining a flow chamber divided by a valve seat into inlet and outlet sections. A valve structure is biased toward the valve seat by a spring applying a valve closing spring force. The housing is sealed by a diaphragm, and the diaphragm covers the movable valve structure, isolating it from water flowing through the housing. The diaphragm does not impede valve structure movement, and the closing spring force establishes a threshold water supply pressure for opening the control stop during increasing pressure following a no or low supply pressure condition. A plurality of control stops may supply a bank of flush valves and fixtures, and open in a cascading sequence during increasing pressure as a result of having springs with different closing spring forces.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2006Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Sloan Valve CompanyInventor: Dwight N. Johnson
-
Patent number: 7556237Abstract: Tilting of a main valve assembly under high inlet pressure conditions is prevented by supporting the main valve assembly with housing rib engaging a skirt on the main valve guide tube. Pilot valve opening results from contact of an enlargement on the pilot valve stem with the push rod as the pilot valve begins its upward movement. An off center baffle compensates for the pressure pattern resulting from the side entry inlet. Throttling structure provided by a skirt on the guide tube cooperating with a shoulder in the outlet passage provides a desirable large flush flow. The inlet and handle openings in the valve body include bosses adjacent thereto an internal to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2007Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Sloan Valve CompanyInventor: Dwight N. Johnson
-
Patent number: 7487950Abstract: Tilting of a main valve assembly in unison with the head portion of a pilot valve under high inlet pressure conditions is prevented by supporting the main valve assembly with housing rib engaging a skirt on the main valve guide tube opposed to the handle actuated push rod. A positive, toggle like pilot valve opening results from contact of an enlargement on the pilot valve stem with the push rod as the pilot valve begins its upward movement. An off center baffle in the inlet passage compensates for the non uniform pressure pattern resulting from the side entry inlet. The pilot valve head includes an easily replaceable cup shaped seal having a reentrant rim engaging the pilot valve surface in the main valve member and having an upper central portion engaging an abutment with a valve rotator configuration is the full open position. A secondary throttling structure provided by a skirt on the guide tube cooperating with a shoulder in the outlet passage provides a desirable large flush flow for siphon fixtures.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2006Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Sloan Valve CompanyInventor: Dwight N. Johnson
-
Publication number: 20080006788Abstract: Tilting of a main valve assembly in unison with the head portion of a pilot valve under high inlet pressure conditions is prevented by supporting the main valve assembly with housing rib engaging a skirt on the main valve guide tube opposed to the handle actuated push rod. A positive, toggle like pilot valve opening results from contact of an enlargement on the pilot valve stem with the push rod as the pilot valve begins its upward movement. An off center baffle in the inlet passage compensates for the non uniform pressure pattern resulting from the side entry inlet. The pilot valve head includes an easily replaceable cup shaped seal having a reentrant rim engaging the pilot valve surface in the main valve member and having an upper central portion engaging an abutment with a valve rotator configuration is the full open position. A secondary throttling structure provided by a skirt on the guide tube cooperating with a shoulder in the outlet passage provides a desirable large flush flow for siphon fixtures.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2006Publication date: January 10, 2008Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
-
Publication number: 20070277884Abstract: A control stop for a flush valve for a urinal or toilet fixture includes a housing defining a flow chamber divided by a valve seat into inlet and outlet sections. A valve structure is biased toward the valve seat by a spring applying a valve closing spring force. The housing is sealed by a diaphragm, and the diaphragm covers the movable valve structure, isolating it from water flowing through the housing. The diaphragm does not impede valve structure movement, and the closing spring force establishes a threshold water supply pressure for opening the control stop during increasing pressure following a no or low supply pressure condition. A plurality of control stops may supply a bank of flush valves and fixtures, and open in a cascading sequence during increasing pressure as a result of having springs with different closing spring forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2006Publication date: December 6, 2007Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
-
Patent number: 7124479Abstract: A hook and an eye are integral with and located at opposite longitudinal ends of a body. The hook includes a tip spaced from the body and defining a mouth for attachment of the hook to a ring or other object. A lock pin mounted in the body moves axially between a closed position engaging the tip of the hook and an open position. The body has a flat, easily gripped shape with a button at one side movable in a transverse direction. A cam system translates transverse button movement into axial movement of the lock pin, and provides a decreasing force-displacement characteristic. The hook is designed to break to prevent user injury in the event of excessive force, and includes a ramp surface facilitating detachment of the hook.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Coastal Pet Products, Inc.Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
-
Patent number: 7111638Abstract: A flexible connector incorporates an excess flow shutoff at its inlet to prevent uncontrolled flow in the event of a failure such as rupture or separation of the connector. A shutoff sleeve moves in a body between an upstream, open position and a downstream, closed position. A spring biases the shutoff sleeve toward the open position. The sleeve includes a flow metering passage, and a pressure drop resulting from excess flow through the passage moves the sleeve to the closed position against a shutoff seat. A time delay is provided by a damping system including a variable volume damper chamber defined in part by a flexible bladder. Upstream pressure is communicated to the damper chamber by a restricted flow passage provided by metal to metal contact of a washer against a body surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2003Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Safety Flow Company, LLCInventor: Dwight N. Johnson
-
Patent number: 7083118Abstract: The invention relates to a device for mixing a liquid such as fertilizer with water flow in a sprinkler pipeline where the liquid is timely dispensed over a period of time from a fertilizer chamber into a mixing chamber for mixing with the water before re-entering the pipeline. The device has a flexible diaphragm that sealingly separates a mixing chamber from a fertilizer chamber. A central disk is fixedly carried by the diaphragm and is biased by a first spring that applies a restoring force upon displacement of the central disk. A valve seat on an axial extension of the central disk extending into the mixing chamber is so dimensioned and proportioned to seat a pin holder fixed to an adjuster holder upon engagement by the pin holder. The adjuster holder is responsive to a second spring and the water pressure in the mixing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2005Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Inventors: C. Anthony Bowles, Dwight N. Johnson, Igancio Cano
-
Apparatus for adding fertilizer to water in an underground sprinkling system and fertilizer therefor
Patent number: 6997350Abstract: Apparatus for adding liquid fertilizer to a water line of a sprinkler system includes a mechanical injector device powered by a paddle wheel turned by water flowing through the water line. The mechanical injector device includes a plunger that moves back and forth in the plunger chamber. Movement in one direction allows liquid fertilizer from a liquid fertilizer reservoir to flow into the plunger chamber and movement of the plunger in the opposite direction injects the liquid fertilizer from the plunger chamber into the water. The mechanical injector device is coupled to the paddle wheel which causes movement of the plunger in the plunger chamber in at least one direction. Spring bias can cause movement of the plunger in the other direction. The mechanical injector device can be disabled to stop fertilizer injection while still allowing rotation of the paddle wheel.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Fertile Earth Systems, Inc.Inventors: Dwight N. Johnson, Glen Grizzle, Kary Burns, James Marsden, David Morton -
Publication number: 20040221893Abstract: A flexible connector incorporates an excess flow shutoff at its inlet to prevent uncontrolled flow in the event of a failure such as rupture or separation of the connector. A shutoff sleeve moves in a body between an upstream, open position and a downstream, closed position. A spring biases the shutoff sleeve toward the open position. The sleeve includes a flow metering passage, and a pressure drop resulting from excess flow through the passage moves the sleeve to the closed position against a shutoff seat. A time delay is provided by a damping system including a variable volume damper chamber defined in part by a flexible bladder. Upstream pressure is communicated to the damper chamber by a restricted flow passage provided by metal to metal contact of a washer against a body surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2003Publication date: November 11, 2004Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
-
Patent number: D516410Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2004Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
-
Patent number: D568965Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2007Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Sloan Valve CompanyInventor: Dwight N. Johnson
-
Patent number: D569947Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Sloan Valve CompanyInventor: Dwight N. Johnson