Sight Glass Patents (Class 116/276)
  • Patent number: 11747606
    Abstract: A sight glass assembly can comprise a housing defining an inner housing surface, an outer housing surface, a first housing end, and an opposed second housing end, the inner housing surface defining a housing bore; an adapter defining an inner adapter surface, an outer adapter surface, a first adapter end coupled to the housing, and an opposed second adapter end, the inner adapter surface defining an adapter bore, the outer adapter surface defining a central portion disposed between the first adapter end and the second adapter end, the central portion defining a shoulder contacting the second housing end of the housing; and a transparent viewport positioned in the housing bore such that the interior of a pipe fitting is viewable through the housing bore, the transparent viewport, and the adapter bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Allen Huffman
  • Patent number: 11197572
    Abstract: A pressure cooking appliance is provided. The pressure cooking appliance comprises a cooker body and a lid, the lid comprising an upper lid portion, and a lower lid portion lockingly covering the cooker body to form a pressurized cooking chamber therebetween. The upper lid portion covers the lower lid portion from above, and comprises a main lid body and a removable cover, the main lid body comprising an opening portion formed at a central portion of the main lid body for exposing the lower lid portion, the removable cover being removably attachable to the opening portion and operable to expose a portion of the lower lid portion for accelerated cooling of the cooking chamber and speeding up wait time for opening the lid. Further, cooling towel or cooling pack can be placed at the opening portion to help with cooling and allow food to be enjoyed sooner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Instant Brands Inc.
    Inventors: Yi Qin, Jiwei Wang, Ling Weng
  • Patent number: 11048074
    Abstract: A sight glass assembly can be configured to permit viewing into an interior of a pipe fitting and can include a housing defining an inner housing surface, an outer housing surface, a first housing end, and an opposed second housing end, the inner housing surface defining a housing bore extending through the housing from the first housing end to the second housing end; an adapter defining an inner adapter surface, an outer adapter surface, a first adapter end coupled to the housing, and an opposed second adapter end configured to be coupled to the pipe fitting, the inner adapter surface defining an adapter bore extending through the adapter from the first adapter end to the second adapter end; and a transparent viewport positioned in the housing bore such that the interior of the pipe fitting is viewable through the housing bore, the viewport, and the adapter bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey Allen Huffman
  • Patent number: 10369600
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which enable the reduction of sample carryover in the measurement cell of an analytical instrument. A sample cell is defined as a region sealed within a first o-ring. Located outside of said sample region is another o-ring which seals and defines a seal wash region as the region between the first and second o-ring. After the fluid sample is injected into the measurement cell a pressure is applied to the seal wash region, forcing the first o-ring to the innermost extent of the groove in which it sits, expelling any trapped solvent and removing from the measurement cell a significant dead volume while the cell is flushed and prepared for a new sample and corresponding measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: WYATT TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Steven P. Trainoff
  • Patent number: 10300425
    Abstract: An apparatus removing air from pressurized gas, including a pressure housing removably securable to a connection cap, a removable filter housing in the housing with moisture removing material in the filter housing, and an external indicator indicating that the apparatus is not removing at least some moisture. The cap includes an air flow exit for air which has passed through the filter housing. The indicator is on the cap and includes visible material which changes color when moisture is present. An aspirator tube diverts some air flow from the cap air flow exit into the indicator visible color changing material. The filter housing is transparent or translucent and includes oil removing material and a sintered disk before the moisture removing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Arrow Pneumatics, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry Adams, Steve Fligel, Benny Kawa
  • Patent number: 10111351
    Abstract: We disclose a method for securing an infrared transmissive polymer to integrated panels, deadfronts, or transition plates, thus providing a reinforced polymer window through which the thermographer can scan an energized unit without being directly exposed to contact with internal components or having to remove said panels, deadfronts, or transition plates. We also disclose a device for securing the polymer consisting of a retention frame with half shear retainers that keep the polymer locked in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International LLC
    Inventors: Brian Raleigh Sullivan, Michael David VanStavern, Kristofor Lynn Redinger, Christopher William Hackman, Richard F. Riczinger
  • Patent number: 10065714
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a testing system that is configured to test subsea power components in-situ while they are deployed on the sea floor. The testing system includes a top side testing system with test instruments, a multi-conductor work-over umbilical cable, and a subsea deployable test head. The test head can be deployed using and ROV and makes electrical connection to the subsea power component via wet connects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: ONESUBSEA IP UK LIMITED
    Inventor: Asbjoern Diesen
  • Patent number: 9989510
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow cell that comprises a body defining a cavity, an inlet pipe for the inflow of a fluid to the cavity, an outlet pipe for the outflow of the fluid from the cavity, and an X-ray transparent window for allowing the fluid in the cavity to be irradiated with X-ray radiation. In the flow cell according to the invention the inner surface of the inlet pipe comprises a grooving for imparting rotational flow to the inflowing fluid. The present invention also relates to a system and a method for analysing a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventor: Rense 't Hooft
  • Patent number: 9987731
    Abstract: A bleeder fitting structure includes a rigid first fitting member for rotating the bleeder and an elastic second fitting member connectable with the bleeder to form a flow passage. A deformation space with a certain size is defined between the first and second fitting members, whereby when the second fitting member is connected with the connection ends of different bleeders with different sizes, the second fitting member is deformed to different extents. Therefore, the second fitting member can be tightly fitted with the connection ends of different bleeders with a larger range of size to ensure that the fluid can flow through the flow passage without leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventor: Chia-Chiung Chuang
  • Patent number: 9927322
    Abstract: A rotorcraft actuator monitoring system to monitor leakage past dynamic rotorcraft actuator seals of a rotorcraft actuator includes a body member and a fluid level indication housing attached to the body member. The body member is mounted to surround a dynamic rotorcraft actuator seal that seals fluid in a rotorcraft actuator, where the body member captures fluid that leaks past the dynamic rotorcraft actuator seal. The fluid level indication housing collects the fluid captured by the body member and indicates that a predetermined volume of fluid that leaked past the dynamic rotorcraft actuator seal has been collected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Robert Michael Laramee, Carlos Fenny
  • Patent number: 9921094
    Abstract: A surgical instrument flow indicator comprises a body defining a flow passage comprising an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is configured to be fluidically coupled to a fluid supply source and wherein the outlet is configured to be fluidically coupled to the surgical instrument. The flow indicator further comprises a flow indication mechanism in flow communication with the flow passage, the flow indication mechanism being configured to transition from a first state to a second state in response to a threshold force exerted on the flow indication mechanism, wherein in the second state, the flow indication mechanism has an arrangement indicating to an observer that the flow indication mechanism transitioned from the first state to the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy Allen Limon
  • Patent number: 9709434
    Abstract: A plug for a level indicator system and a level indicator system. The level indicator system includes an elongated level indicator tube sealed by one or more of the plugs, and a magnetically operated visual indicator secured within the elongated level indicator tube. The plug includes an elongated body having a first end, a second end; and port. The plug is configured to form a seal with the level indicator tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Jogler, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon Harper, David Allen
  • Patent number: 9599513
    Abstract: In one aspect, a spectrometer insert is provided. The spectrometer insert includes: an enclosed housing; a first transparent window on a first side of the enclosed housing; a second transparent window on a second side of the enclosed housing, wherein the first side and the second side are opposing sides of the enclosed housing; and a sample mounting and heating assembly positioned within an interior cavity of the enclosed housing in between, and in line of sight of, the first transparent window and the second transparent window. A method for using the spectrometer insert to locally heat a sample so as to measure temperature-dependent optical properties of the sample is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nestor A. Bojarczuk, Talia S. Gershon, Teodor K. Todorov, Theodore G. van Kessel
  • Patent number: 9541492
    Abstract: A high pressure optical flow cell system suitable for use in a real time optical particle monitoring system. The system is modular, with at least two housings joined together with removable mechanical attachment devices. Inlet and outlet passageways introduce and remove high pressure fluid into a flow cavity located between adjacent housing faces. An o-ring or other compliant member seal is provided between the faces to prevent leaks of the high pressure fluid. At least one optical window is provided with a substantially planar face flush with the flow cavity surface. An optical assembly maintains the face of the optical window flush with the flow cavity surface over a wide range of temperatures and pressures. A system and method for maintaining the face of the optical window flush with the flow cavity surface over a wide range of temperatures and pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Paul L. Howard, John E. Tucker, John F. Reintjes
  • Patent number: 9353872
    Abstract: A monitor valve contains: a body, at least one monitoring assembly, a stop ball, an inlet connector, and a transmission device. The body is hollow and includes an inlet channel, an outlet channel, at least one orifice, a chamber, a neck opening, a plurality of trenches, and a first hole. The at least one monitoring assembly is mounted in the at least one orifice of the body. The stop ball is accommodated in the chamber of the body and includes a first close ring, a first aperture, and two second apertures. The inlet connector is locked in the inlet channel of the body and includes a guiding portion, a second close ring. The guiding portion has a central passage and plural passages, and each passage has an inlet. The transmission device is rotatably fixed in the first hole of the body to control the stop ball to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventor: Liang-Yu Yeh
  • Patent number: 9328870
    Abstract: Flow regulator, system and method that allow regulation of gas flow, both during a purging operation such as to purge a line of oxygen, and during a brazing operation to maintain the line free or substantially free of oxygen during the brazing operation. The system includes a gas source, such as a nitrogen tank containing a source of nitrogen, a gas regulator in fluid communication with the gas source to regulate the delivery pressure from the gas source, and a flow regulator in fluid communication with the gas source to regulate the flow of gas during the purge and brazing operations. The flow regulator provides a visual indication that gas is flowing, and a visual indication of the particular flow rate of the flowing gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Uniweld Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Pearl, II, Dragan Bukur, David Foster, Douglas B. Pearl
  • Publication number: 20150107507
    Abstract: An improved fluid flow gauging device includes a light enhanced acrylic block flow tube to optimize visualization of pressure readings. An LED or other light source is fitted to the top of the flow tube and illuminates a float or bobbin from above to provide more accurate readings, especially in low light conditions such as modern operating rooms. In addition, the light enhanced flow tube provides a mechanical backup in the case of failure of newer electronic systems and visually matches the graphical flow display, simultaneously providing a double-check of the electronic system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Erik J. Bluemner, George P. Kosmopoulos
  • Patent number: 8800473
    Abstract: A wireless multi-range, mass velocity sensor assembly for remote monitoring with direct on-site visual validation of mass velocity is provided. In certain implementations, the sensor assembly comprises a channel body fixture, an obstruction mounted within an aperture formed in the inlet or outlet of the channel body fixture, and an arcuate indicator that protrudes above the fluid flow path and provides clear visual readout of the flow velocity. In some implementations, the sensor assembly can be easily adapted for existing back check valve and other back flow prevention devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventors: Richard DeVerse, Mick Chavez-Pardini
  • Patent number: 8794173
    Abstract: An improved fluid flow gauging device includes a light enhanced acrylic block flow tube to optimize visualization of pressure readings. An LED or other light source is fitted to the top of the flow tube and illuminates a float or bobbin from above to provide more accurate readings, especially in low light conditions such as modern operating rooms. In addition, the light enhanced flow tube provides a mechanical backup in the case of failure of newer electronic systems and visually matches the graphical flow display, simultaneously providing a double-check of the electronic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Spacelabs Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Erik J. Bluemner, George P. Kosmopoulos
  • Patent number: 8601868
    Abstract: A gearbox for an engine-driven mechanism comprises a gearbox housing having opposing walls. A first bearing bore is defined in one of the opposing walls and adapted for receiving an input shaft. A second bearing bore is defined in the other opposing wall and aligned with the first bearing bore. Each bearing bore mounts a bearing for supporting the input shaft which extends through the first bearing bore and into the gearbox. The second bearing bore includes an associated transparent and/or translucent lens to define a sight window for monitoring the level of oil in the gearbox. A sight window of this nature is particularly well suited for retrofitting older gearboxes which lack a sight window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Alamo Group Inc.
    Inventors: Dawson W. Hastings, Brian A. Peters, Jeffrey W. Tucker
  • Patent number: 8316708
    Abstract: A sight assembly may include a body portion configured to couple between a first fluid transport segment and a second fluid transport segment. The body portion may define an aperture configured for fluid flow through an interior of the body portion. The sight assembly may also include a light source disposed within the body portion. The light source may be configured to provide illumination of the interior of the sight assembly. The light source may be disposed within the body portion approximately between an outer edge of the body portion forming the aperture and an external surface of the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: JIKOH Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: George Horst
  • Patent number: 8034170
    Abstract: A real-time monitoring system that monitors various aspects of the operation of a refrigerant-cycle system is described. In one embodiment, the system includes a processor that measures power provided to the refrigerant-cycle system and that gathers data from one or more sensors and uses the sensor data to calculate a figure of merit related to the efficiency of the system. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of the following sensors: a suction line temperature sensor, a suction line pressure sensor, a suction line flow sensor, a hot gas line temperature sensor, a hot gas line pressure sensor, a hot gas line flow sensor, a liquid line temperature sensor, a liquid line pressure sensor, a liquid line flow sensor. In one embodiment, the sensors include one or more of an evaporator air temperature input sensor, an evaporator air temperature output sensor, an evaporator air flow sensor, an evaporator air humidity sensor, and a differential pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Lawrence Kates
  • Patent number: 7896027
    Abstract: A poppet valve assembly is provided for use on a fuel tanker truck which enables the truck's driver to determine whether fuel is flowing through the valve assembly and whether fuel is present in the valve assembly. The valve assembly has a two part housing, one of the parts having a sight glass secured therein. The sight glass is visible through cutouts in the housing. When the poppet valve is opened, fluid flows through a flow channel in the valve assembly. The fluid, being different colors, may be easily seen through the sight glass from a distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Dixon Valve and Coupling Company
    Inventor: Richard L. Fahl
  • Publication number: 20100269584
    Abstract: A sight assembly may include a body portion configured to couple between a first fluid transport segment and a second fluid transport segment. The body portion may define an aperture configured for fluid flow through an interior of the body portion. The sight assembly may also include a light source disposed within the body portion. The light source may be configured to provide illumination of the interior of the sight assembly. The light source may be disposed within the body portion approximately between an outer edge of the body portion forming the aperture and an external surface of the body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: JIKOH MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: George Horst
  • Patent number: 7654219
    Abstract: Sight glass assemblies, pipe assemblies including the same, and methods for assembling pipe assemblies are disclosed. Sight glass assemblies may include an annular body of a transparent material. The annular body may include a peripheral surface, an interior surface defining at least a portion of a fluid path, first and second parallel planar annular surfaces spaced a first distance apart, and at least one passage extending through the annular body from the first planar annular surface to the second planar annular surface between the peripheral and interior surfaces. In some examples, a sight glass assembly may include at least one spacing element, which may include first and second bearing surfaces. The first and second bearing surfaces may be spaced a second distance at least as large as the first distance. In some examples, the interior surface may be chemically resistant to at least one predetermined fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventor: William Armstrong
  • Patent number: 7621978
    Abstract: A timer that starts a time cycle when a filter is placed into a housing is disclosed. The timer cycle will not reinitiate a new time cycle when the previously used filter is removed from the housing and reinserted into the housing. In one embodiment, the filter timer assembly includes a filter having a filter media surrounded by a filter frame, a housing for supporting the filter, a piercing post connected to the housing moveable between a first resting position and a second position in direct contact with the filter frame, and a timer connected to the piercing post. The piercing post punctures a portion of the filter frame to create an opening in the filter frame. The timer initiates a count when the piercing post is actuated to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Ronald C. Johansson
  • Publication number: 20080251003
    Abstract: An illuminated gas flow tube comprises an in-line flow tube having a distal end and a proximal end. A gas inlet is co-axially secured to the distal end, and a gas outlet is co-axially secured to the proximal end. A specific gravity ball is located within the in-line flow tube, and moves within the flow tube as a function of gas entering the gas inlet. A phosphorescent or photoluminescent material is configured and arranged to at least partially lengthwise surround a radial exterior portion of the flow tube to illuminate the interior of the tube. An illuminated gas pressure gauge comprises an gas inlet, a pressure sensing element, a transparent cover, and a face that is encased by and seen through the transparent cover, where the face includes markings indicative of pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Lloyd Boston
  • Patent number: 7314237
    Abstract: A pipe joint assembly including a transparent quill; an outer quill having at least a first view port, and having at least a first outwardly extending pipe coupling thread which extends longitudinally along and helically about the outer quill, the transparent quill being slidably received by the outer quill; a pair of baffles; and baffle mounting helical threads interconnecting the baffles and the outer quill, the baffle mounting helical threads positioning the baffle so that they extend radially inward from the outer quill, the baffle mounting helical threads further positioning the baffles for resisting longitudinal sliding and counter-sliding motions of the transparent quill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Charles M. Warden
  • Patent number: 7013833
    Abstract: A valve stem pressure poppet incorporated into a tire valve cap for monitoring tire air pressure. The indicator assembly is screw attached by a connector onto an existing valve stem. The assembly includes a hollow outer tube for housing a slideably disposed indicator, a sealed space above the indicator, a compression spring and a connector end fitting. An air passage runs throughout the length the indicator. Once the assembly is engaged, pressurized air feeds directly through the indicator into the sealed space, forcing the indicator down against the force of the compression spring. If the tire remains above a predetermined critical low pressure point, the indicator will remain in the down “equilibrium” position. However, if the air pressure in the tire drops below the critical pressure point the compression force of the spring will overcome the downward pressure on the indicator, and the indicator disengages or “pops” up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventors: Gary Lemberger, Brian Lipford
  • Patent number: 6870695
    Abstract: An optical configuration suited to the monitoring of a process flow through the wall of a containment vessel for producing a high-quality, high-NA sample focus and reduced residual positive spherical aberration. The invention includes an optical path with a window extending through, and sealed to, the wall of the containment vessel, and an optical surface disposed in the optical path associated with minimizing aberration, increasing numerical aperture, or both. The window has a surface facing into the process flow and a surface facing away from the process flow and, the surface facing away from the process flow is associated with minimizing aberration or increasing numerical aperture. A lens is disposed outside the containment vessel and in the optical path, with the surface of the window facing the lens being substantially spherical. With such an arrangement, the light rays of the optical path are generally normal to the surface of the window facing the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Kaiser Optical Systems
    Inventors: Joseph B. Slater, Kevin L. Davis
  • Patent number: 6857315
    Abstract: An armored sight gauge assembly of the type having a sight tube that is placed between first and second spaced apart fittings to show a liquid level comprising an elongated main body positioned between and permanently connected to the first and second fittings. The main body incorporates a flanged U-shaped frame member to which there is removably affixed a transparent sight tube shield. A sight tube assembly substantially surrounded by the flanged U-shaped frame member on three sides and is insertably captured by the first and second fittings. A valve assembly and ball check shutoff is incorporated within the internal portion of each of the first and second fittings as is a misalignment union which is removably attached to each fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Kenco International, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen K. Mills, R. Darrell Miller
  • Patent number: 6848481
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for removing hazardous liquid from a wet line of a cargo tanker truck. The system includes a sight glass module positioned at the outboard end of the wet line. The sight glass module includes a vent, a drain, and an optical sensor. When the optical sensor senses liquid in the module, a control system operates to pump the liquid from the drain into the cargo tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: EBW, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew T. Bay, Scott Bradley Schugars
  • Patent number: 6837922
    Abstract: An air filter sensor kit and method of using the same for permitting a person to modify the filtering portion of a heating or cooling system that uses an air filter to enable the determination of when the air filter is dirty and needs changing. The air filter sensor kit includes an air filter sensor with a portion shaped for insertion through the air filter and a portion with an indicator for indicating the condition of the air filter. The kit includes an air filter sensor connecting and support member for connecting the air filter sensor to an air filter grill and for supporting the air filter sensor and a cutting tool for cutting a hole in an air filter grill to allow the passage of a portion of the air filter sensor connecting and support member to permit a portion of the air filter sensor to be inserted through the air filter. The air filter sensor kit also includes a cutting tool guide that is adjustable to conform to various configurations of air filter grills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Barney F. Gorin
  • Patent number: 6741411
    Abstract: A process window unit for the spectroscopic study of process mixtures The process window is comprised of a window frame for holding a window, a screw cylinder, with a radiation passage in its core and an external thread for screwing the screw cylinder into the window frame as well as an elastic seal between the window and the screw cylinder, the window being designed with a conically tapering profile on the process side opposite the screw cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl Isbert, Lutz Spauschus, Ulrich Heesen
  • Patent number: 6588272
    Abstract: A redundant level measuring system comprises a chamber for fluidic coupling to a process vessel whereby material level in the vessel equalizes with material level in the chamber. A float including a magnet in the chamber rises and falls with material level in the chamber. A magnet actuated visual indicator is mounted to the chamber for indicating level of the magnet in the chamber. A measurement instrument includes a probe and a measurement circuit. The instrument is mounted atop the chamber with the probe extending downwardly into the chamber. The measurement circuit measures a characteristic of the probe representing level of the material in the chamber. A shield in the chamber isolate the float from the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Magnetrol International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Mulrooney, Boyce M. Carsella, Jr., Paul D. Myatt, Don P. Sanders
  • Publication number: 20030047128
    Abstract: A novel in-line flow indicator assembly is provided with a fitting body having oppositely positioned wall window openings, a sight glass tube positioned within the fitting body, end caps co-operating with the fitting body to contain the sight glass tube in position, and conventional O-rings that function to seal the assembly through fluid passageway and to resiliently position the sight glass tube within the fitting body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Terrence E. Delp
  • Publication number: 20020166498
    Abstract: A viewing port for a medium transfer line has a tubular glass member through which a medium can pass during fluid transfer, a clear plastic barrier surrounding the tubular glass member for containing a glass and a medium in the event of a breakage, and a connection for connecting the tubular member together with the barrier to a medium transfer line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: James Lenard Cretney
  • Patent number: 6467506
    Abstract: An elongated clear fluid orifice device which includes a plurality of different exterior widths for accommodating the mounting of different sized hoses thereon while having a constant interior width. The device may be used in any liquid cooled engine having heated fluid flowing therethrough. The device is best made pressure resistant and high temperature resistant polycarbonate material such as EMS Grliamid TR-55 (clear nylon) compound and having an interior fluid tube with a cylindrical center section having a predetermined, constant interior width. The exterior tube levels have a raised ridge at each level to assist in securing a clamp to hold the hose in place at each level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: Thanh V. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6390016
    Abstract: A sight flow indicator having a viewing window for monitoring liquid flowing therethrough is disclosed. The flow indicator is configured to disentrain gas and particulate from a portion of the fluid. The flow indicator is also configured to reduce the velocity of fluid flowing therethrough. The portion of the fluid from which gas and particulate has been disentrained is diverted from the main flow stream, past the viewing window. The relatively clean liquid sample flowing past the viewing window lends itself to relatively accurate optical analysis using, compared to the bulk fluid flowing through the flow indicator. The flow indicator is well-suited for use with a spectrometer or other optical analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Penberthy, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary G. Sanders
  • Patent number: 6359742
    Abstract: The invention provides a sightglass assembly for viewing the interior of a vessel, such as a reaction vessel for chemical or biochemical reactions, and is adapted to be welded to a vessel wall. The sightglass assembly comprises a window disc fused to a metal frame having a flange extending radially therefrom. The assembly is set into an appropriately sized opening in the vessel wall and the outer perimeter of the flange is welded to the vessel wall. An annular groove in the flange, surrounding the frame and window disc, absorbs stresses created by the heat of welding and thus protects the integrity of the entire unit. When installed, the sightglass assembly and inner face of the tank wall provide an easily cleanable smooth continuous surface, free of recesses and crevasses where bacteria can collect and grow or product from previous batches can accumulate and cause contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: J. M. Canty, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Canty, Paul J. O'Brien, Michael Rizzo
  • Patent number: 6289726
    Abstract: A fuel filter restriction indicating device communicating with the supply of fuel passing from a fuel tank to an internal combustion engine. The indicating device senses a decrease in the supply of fuel drawn through the fuel filter by the engine based upon changes in the amount of vacuum in the negative side of the fuel supply, the amount of restriction being indicated by the movement of an indicating device. A mechanism included in the indicating device senses the movement of the indicating device and progressively locks the indicating device into various indicating positions as the vacuum increases due to an increased restriction of the filter, so that the maximum reading of restriction achieved during engine operation remains visible to the operator or maintenance personnel even after the engine is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Engineered Products Co.
    Inventors: Gregory Matthew Ferris, Jerry Lee Manross, Charels Henry Berry, III, Michael Dean Metcalf, Laverne Lee Sidler
  • Patent number: 6286817
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel bowl for a carburetor for an internal combustion engine. The fuel bowl includes a fuel bowl housing (18) having an inner fuel cavity (22) and opposed lateral sides (54), and a sight glass (58) provided in at least one of the opposed lateral sides of the fuel bowl housing positioned such that the nominal operating fuel level within the fuel bowl is approximately level with the center of the sight glass. The sight glass includes an outer frame (62) and a clear panel (64), wherein the level of fuel contained within the inner fuel cavity of the fuel bowl can be viewed through the view window of the sight glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Barry Grant
  • Patent number: 6273021
    Abstract: An oil spill prevention apparatus for use with for a domestic oil storage tank has a catchment tray e located underneath an oil storage tank and extending over the entire footprint thereof. The catchment tray has a depression for pooling oil caught by the catchment tray. A level sensor for raises an alarm when the oil level in said depression exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Kevin Pembroke
  • Patent number: 6244115
    Abstract: A flow meter for monitoring liquid flow at low or intermittent rates, such as waste water gravity flow from a reverse osmosis system. Water flow from the system enters a meter chamber vented to atmosphere. Water drainage from this chamber is adjusted to match the incoming water flow, and the level at which this occurs is determinative of the rate of waste water flow. Various ways are disclosed to adjust the rate of water drainage from the chamber, including the use of multiple drainage tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Paul L. Traylor
  • Patent number: 6158459
    Abstract: An oil nozzle structure for pneumatic tools is provided and mainly characterized in that an oil nozzle is directly mounted into a receiving space provided at an outer end of a handle portion of a pneumatic tool, and that a clear inspection window and a through oil port are provided on a wall of the handle portion of the pneumatic tool corresponding to the receiving space, such that oil may be directly supplied into the receiving space via the oil port and penetrate into the oil nozzle before being sent into the pneumatic tool by supplied air to lubricate internal components of the tool, and that oil level in the receiving space may be conveniently observed via the clear inspection window to timely replenish the receiving space with oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: An-Mei Chang
  • Patent number: 5884657
    Abstract: A reclamation apparatus for capturing leaking hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic system having a higher pressure system end and a lower pressure system end and for delivering the captured fluid back into the system includes an inner fluid line, for carrying hydraulic fluid between two points in the hydraulic system, having a higher pressure first line end and a lower pressure second line end, a reinforcing sleeve containing the inner fluid line and having an inside diameter larger than the inner fluid line outside diameter, an outer fluid line containing the inner fluid line and the reinforcing sleeve and having a first line end, a second line end and an inside diameter larger than the reinforcing sleeve outside diameter so that a containment space is provided between the reinforcing sleeve and the outer fluid line, a line coupling structure connected to the inner and outer fluid line first ends, a manifold structure connected to the inner and outer fluid line second ends and including a manifold body connected t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Inventor: Bryan J. Srock
  • Patent number: 5852937
    Abstract: A sight glass assembly for visually indicating the presence of moisture, oil or an acid in a refrigerant flow of a refrigeration or air conditioning system and a method of manufacture thereof is disclosed. The sight glass assembly includes an indicator cap attached to an in-line connector body. The indicator cap includes a piece of transparent sight glass. The sight glass is attached to the indicator cap and to a retaining tube that holds an indicator material. In a preferred embodiment, the sight glass is attached to the indicator cap and to the retaining tube by at least partially melting the sight glass so that it bonds with the indicator cap and, when the sight glass is in at least a partially molten condition, pressing the retaining tube into an inside surface of the sight glass to fixedly attach the retaining tube to the sight glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: AC&R Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Westermeyer, Sean M. Fink
  • Patent number: 5829093
    Abstract: Disclosed is an indicator device for visually denoting the amount of filled dust in a dust container of a vacuum cleaner. The indicator device operates based on a vacuum pressure difference created between an air suction port and an outlet of the vacuum cleaner. When a vacuum pressure difference is created between the air suction port and the outlet of the vacuum cleaner, a disc-shaped colored film and a circular rotating member positioned in an upper cap of the indicator device receive an atmosphere air from the exterior of the indicator device and denotes the amount of dust filled in the dust container. For this purpose, a colored film is separated by 3.times.N (N is an integer) times and colored in three primary colors of light of red, green and blue or in three primary colors of red, yellow and blue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Suk-Gu Kim
  • Patent number: 5777810
    Abstract: A signal mirror assembly has a laminated sandwich construction and includes a transparent center sighting disk. The disk interconnects a relatively thick plastic front sheet with a thin rear plastic sheet to provide enhanced structural integrity and to eliminate potential interference due to condensation. A retrodirective wire screen provides enhanced viewfinding capabilities and is centered within an opening in the adhesive sheet that bonds the plastic sheets together. Reinforcing rods along the horizontal sides of the mirror are rigidly anchored along a center portion and resiliently connected at opposite ends to limit warping over time while allowing for correction of focus by bending, if necessary. Optionally, the mirror may include foam pads for buoyancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Malcolm G. Murray, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5735168
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an animal feeder sight glass device. The device is a single multi-layered component made of a foam gasket with a central opening which seats on a vessel having an outer wall with an opening in the wall, a transparent lens and an outer lens holder plate also with an opening aligned with the opening in the vessel. The multi-layered component is secured to the vessel with screws which pass through openings in the gasket and outer lens holder plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Jack Harrison