Supply And Exhaust Type Patents (Class 137/102)
  • Patent number: 8162000
    Abstract: A pneumatic system for a surgical machine includes a reservoir, first and second proportional valves, and a controller. The reservoir holds pressurized gas. The first proportional valve is located on an input side of the reservoir and allows a variable amount of pressurized gas to enter the reservoir. The second proportional valve is located on an output side of the reservoir and allows a second variable amount of pressurized gas to exit the reservoir. The controller controls the operation of the first and second proportional valves. The controller adjusts the first and second proportional valves so that a constant gas pressure range is maintained at an output of the reservoir over a first range of input gas pressures and a second range of gas usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Denis Turner, Argelio Olivera, John Huculak, Mark Hopkins
  • Patent number: 8156953
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for regulating a pressure in a hydraulic system for operating at least one actuator in a subsea installation, having a fluid supply line (102) connected to a source of pressurized fluid (101) at a remote location delivering fluid at a constant pressure to the subsea installation, comprising first and second control valves (103, 105) controlled by an electronic control unit (107), and at least one pressure sensor (106) and an accumulator (104) arranged between the first and second control valve (103, 105), where the pressure in the fluid supply line (102?) to the actuator is regulated by regulating the pressure in the accumulator (104) by adding fluid from the source of pressurized fluid (101) through the first control valve (103) if the pressure is too low or releasing pressure through the second control valve (105) to a fluid return line (120) if the pressure is too high and thereby establishing the desired pressure for operating the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: FMC Kongsberg Subsea AS
    Inventor: Johannes Tore Tveita
  • Publication number: 20120024557
    Abstract: A portable pneumatic power wrench has a housing with a handle, a motor, a pressure air inlet passage, and an outlet passage for ducting exhaust air from the motor out of the housing. An outlet unit is connected to the outlet passage and has a first outlet opening section forming a main exhaust air flow path, a second outlet opening section forming an additional exhaust air flow path, and a manually operable valve arranged to control the additional exhaust air flow path by opening or closing the second outlet opening section. The total outlet flow area of the main exhaust air flow path and the additional exhaust air flow path gives an augmented torque output of the power wrench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventor: Knut Christian Schoeps
  • Patent number: 8056576
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve has a valve body with a bore into which an inlet port, an outlet port, and a workport all open. A valve spool is slideably received within the bore. The valve spool has a first position that provides a path between the inlet port and the workport, and a second position that provides another path between the outlet port and the workport. Inlet port pressure tends to move the valve spool into the first position and outlet port pressure tends to move the valve spool into the second position. A linear actuator is coupled to the valve spool by a spring, thereby biasing the valve spool toward the first position. Another spring biases the valve spool toward the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: HUSCO Automotive Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Curtis Lee Van Weelden
  • Patent number: 7997295
    Abstract: A supplementing water supply controller which provides water from a supplementing water supply to an outlet in preference to a main water supply, wherein if there is insufficient supplementing water to meet demand, the main water supply flows through the controller to the outlet, whereas if there is sufficient supplemental water to meet the demand, a supplementing water pump is activated and the pressure of the supplementing water is raised above a threshold level at which it moves an actuator mounted by two diaphragms to block the main water supply, so that the supplementing water can flow to the outlet. The actuator has a larger effective area at its low pressure end than at its high pressure end, so that the supplementing water threshold pressure level for moving the actuator to block the main water supply is less than the main water pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Davey Products Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Rodney James Brown, Da-Wei Zhang
  • Patent number: 7975715
    Abstract: A valve for use in a pneumatic system of a truck-trailer having a source of air under pressure, a reservoir, at least one spring brake unit and a brake service line is provided. The valve includes a housing, a pressure protection valve portion, a spring brake actuation valve portion and an anti-compounding valve portion. The housing has a supply passage in communication with the source of air under pressure. The pressure protection valve portion is disposed within a first chamber of the housing. The first chamber has an inlet in communication with the supply passage and an outlet in communication with the reservoir. The pressure protection valve portion is configured to selectively block the flow of pressurized air from the supply passage to the reservoir through the first chamber. The spring brake actuation valve portion is disposed within a second chamber of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Travis G. Ramler, Andrew Marsh, David Fenzel
  • Patent number: 7882836
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve is provided, in which there is improved sealing of a closing cover (15) against the valve housing (3). The seal includes a cylindrical sealing washer (25), which is connected to the valve housing (3) in one piece and into which a cylindrical wall section (18) of the closing cover (15) can be inserted with press fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Brian Hewitt, Piers Antony James
  • Publication number: 20100288489
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sequence valve for use in a hydraulic plant, which sequence valve has a pressure-controlled slide valve (5) with a spring return and in a starting position defines a first cavity (10), which cavity is connected with a tank and the hydraulic plant, and in a second, pressurised position closes off the connection with the tank. The cavity is connected to a second cavity (18) via a channel (15, 16, 17) in the slide valve, and the second cavity is adapted to be connected with a pump via a throttle (20) and is positioned on the same side of the slide valve as the spring (7). The sequence valve has a third cavity (19), which is adapted to be connected with the pump and is positioned on the opposite side of the slide valve from the spring, and the second and the third cavity are connected with each other via a fixed throttle with a short flow channel. The invention also relates to downhole tractor with the sequence valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: Jorgen HallundbÆk
  • Patent number: 7823602
    Abstract: A hydraulic system having at least one hydraulic valve for actuating a component, wherein a control pressure acting on the hydraulic valve can be activated through a supply pressure of a pilot circuit having at least one actuator. At least one pressure reduction apparatus is connected in series with the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Eric Müller, Reinhard Stehr
  • Publication number: 20100263737
    Abstract: A monodirectional intake pressure stabilization structure of pneumatic tool includes a tool main body and a pressure stabilization unit. The pressure stabilization unit is disposed in a first directional intake passage formed in the tool main body for controlling the pressure of the air guided by the first directional intake passage into an air chamber of the tool main body. Accordingly, excessively great intake pressure can be avoided so as to avoid over-torque output of the pneumatic tool. In this case, the pneumatic tool can stably output power within a safety range in accordance with the requirements of actual use. The pressure stabilization unit can be a pressure stabilizer or a pressure relief valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Chia-Chiung CHUANG, Fu-Yang Chuang
  • Patent number: 7748385
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a valved holding chamber suitable for use in an aerosol medication delivery system. The valved holding chamber includes a housing and a mouthpiece coupled to the housing. A one-way valve assembly is coupled to the housing, the mouthpiece, or both so that fluid flows in a first direction from the housing to the mouthpiece passes through the valve assembly but does not pass back into the housing. The valve assembly includes a conical flange disposed such that the conical flange tapers in the first direction to smooth the fluid flow in the first direction toward the patient. In a further embodiment, the mouthpiece includes an exhaust port defined in a conical collar portion of the mouthpiece, and an exhaust valve element is disposed over the exhaust port to provide a one-way flow of fluid from within the mouthpiece to ambient atmosphere via the exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: RIC Investments, Inc
    Inventors: Eric Lieberman, Dirk Von Hollen
  • Patent number: 7717116
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a respiratory device with a patient is provided, including a breathing tube for insertion into a patient's trachea, an inflatable cuff positioned around the breathing tube, a connection tube connected to the cuff for providing inflating air flow thereto, a pressurized air reservoir, and a valve connected to the pressurized air reservoir and to the proximal end of the connection line. The valve includes an entry port associated with an entry differential force chamber, a first exit port associated with a first differential force chamber and coupled with the connection line, a second exit port associated with a second differential force chamber and coupled with the pressurized air reservoir, and a flexible membrane selectively sealingly separating the differential force chambers. The flexible membrane is configured to selectively connect the first and second differential force chambers to maintain a substantially constant air pressure in the cuff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Filtertek Inc.
    Inventor: Jan W. Mijers
  • Publication number: 20100101656
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for preventing fast changes of the atmospheric pressure in an enclosed room (1) induced by an external environment. According to the invention, the internal pressure in the room (1) is monitored by a sensor (3). Fast changes of the internal pressure are at least partially compensated for by the targeted supply or removal of air. The supply and removal of air preferably occurs with overpressure and underpressure containers (5, 6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Qinghua Zheng, Florian Dignath
  • Patent number: 7686036
    Abstract: The valve apparatus includes: a valve body whose one side is combined with the movable oxygen cylinder, which communicates with a discharge port at the other side thereof along a path from one side thereof lengthily therein, to thus discharge out the oxygen of the oxygen cylinder through the discharge port. An opening which opens outwards from an insertion space provided along the path, and a post valve which is installed at the other side of the valve body and controls discharge of oxygen through the discharge port from the oxygen cylinder according to operation of a lever. A charge adapter whose one side is detachably installed in the opening of the insertion space, which charges oxygen supplied from the outside into the oxygen cylinder when the post valve closes the path, and discharges oxygen of the oxygen cylinder through the discharge port when the post valve opens the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Youngdo Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwang Ho Lee
  • Patent number: 7677263
    Abstract: When the pressure in a main fluid supply channel is lower than a no-load operation start pressure, the spool moves against the biasing force of a biasing member, and the area of opening of a auxiliary fluid supply channel is reduced with regards to opening of the internal flow channel. When the pressure in the main fluid supply channel rises and reaches a no-load operation start pressure, the area of opening in the auxiliary fluid supply channel with regards to opening of the internal flow channel becomes smaller and while connected to the main fluid supply channel, the auxiliary fluid supply channel is connected to the return flow channel. When the pressure in the main fluid supply channel rises above the no-load operating start pressure and reaches a no-load operation pressure, the auxiliary fluid supply channel is cut off from the main fluid supply channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: TBK Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Hoji, Satoshi Nagao, Keisuke Shinozaki
  • Patent number: 7673652
    Abstract: There is provided a circuit configuration which does not require an additional fail-safe mechanism caused by the addition of a changeover valve in a hydraulic pressure control device for an automatic transmission having a function to directly supply a line pressure and hold (lock) an engaging pressure by combinations of electromagnetic valves and changeover valves. A changeover valve 20 is disposed between an output port 12 and a feedback port 13 of a linear solenoid valve 10 of the hydraulic pressure control device for an automatic transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyoharu Takagi
  • Patent number: 7637279
    Abstract: A shuttle valve (12,150,230) is provided having a body (44,152,232) defining an interior chamber (46,154,234). The valve (12,150,230) includes inlet (16,158,238), outlet (18,160,240) and common (14,156,236) ports that are coupled to the body (44,152,232). A shuttle (48, 162,242) is translatably disposed within the chamber (46,154,234) between a first position wherein the inlet (16,158,238) and common (14,156,236) ports are fluidicly coupled and the common (14,156,236) and outlet (18,160,240) ports are fluidicly uncoupled, and a second position wherein the outlet (18,160,240) and common (14,156,236) ports are fluidicly coupled and the common (14,156,236) and inlet (16,158,238) ports are fluidicly uncoupled. A first check valve (50,50,50) coupled to the inlet port (16,158,238) to permit fluid flow through the inlet port (16,158,238) into the chamber (46,154,234) and to prevent fluid from discharging therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Amley, Danny F. Lincoln
  • Patent number: 7621537
    Abstract: A height control valve for an air spring of an air-ride axle/suspension system of a heavy-duty vehicle includes a body. The valve body is pneumatically connected to an air reservoir of the vehicles an ail spring, and to atmosphere A control arm actuates the valve to direct air from the reservoir into the air spring, when air is to be added to the air spring When air is to be exhausted from the air spring, the valve, actuated by the control arm, directs air from the air spring to atmosphere The valve includes a throttle assembly that can regulate the rate of pneumatic flow from the air spring to atmosphere when the vehicle is loaded and the air spring is in an extended condition. A throttle assembly can also be used to regulate the rate of pneumatic flow from the air reservoir to the air spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Phillippi R. Pierce, Jesse Cervantez
  • Patent number: 7575221
    Abstract: There is disclosed an adjusting device for a valve, especially a pressure control valve, comprising an axially displaceable control member on which a control spring acting on a valve body of the valve is supported. The control member is in rotational engagement with a catch connected to a handle for adjusting the control spring biasing. In accordance with the invention, the rotatable handle is connected to the catch such that first a radially projecting locking member is inserted in a recess in axial direction and subsequently is brought into an axial locking position by a relative displacement so as to lock the handle in axial direction with the catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Bosch Rexroth AG
    Inventors: Monika Hartmann, Wilfried Stroka
  • Patent number: 7571738
    Abstract: A flow control device having a first port, a second port, a third port and the movable member. In a first mode, the movable member seals the second port while allowing fluid flow between the first and third ports, wherein the differential pressure between the first port and third port, during the first mode, is about zero. In the second mode, the movable member seals the first port while allowing fluid flow between the third port and second port, wherein the movable member is adapted to transition from the first mode to the second mode in response to a small change in differential pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Thanh Ho, Carolyn Dute
  • Patent number: 7505818
    Abstract: An x to pressure converter that uses valves oscillating between open and closed positions in a pulse width modulated mode, to force the output pressure to equal the input X.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Kohler
  • Patent number: 7490622
    Abstract: A quick exhaust valve is preferably constructed having a port connector, an input body, and an exhaust body. The input body and exhaust body are preferably arranged in a rotatable relationship with the port connector such that an input port of the input body can be arranged in a desired orientation with respect to a connected device and still permit communication between ports in the input and exhaust bodies and a port in the port connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Smart Parts, Inc.
    Inventor: Danial Jones
  • Patent number: 7455083
    Abstract: A system for exhausting gas from a source constituting a machine or process which operates on a cyclical basis and generates exhaust gas at a relatively high volume of gas in a short period, at one or more points in its operational cycle. The system includes a first fan or blower which operates continuously and handles a flow volume which is at least equal to the average flow from the source but is lower than the high flow volume produced by the machine or process at intermittent times during its operational cycle. The exhaust from the source in excess of the average is fed into an accumulator at such times as the machine or process is emitting volumes higher than the volume of the constantly operated blower. The constantly operated blower continuously exhausts the accumulator. The energy demands and cost of the exhaust system are therefore substantially lower than a system which would be designed to continuously exhaust the process at the high volume required intermittently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Gerald Schlaf
  • Patent number: 7431042
    Abstract: A pressure releasing device contains a tubular body member with a slidable slider member inside. The pressure releasing device is connected to the output of the high-pressure pump and high-pressure water will flows through the pressure releasing device when the pump is turned on and, when the pump is turned off, the high-pressure backflow will force the slider member to quickly block the inlet of the pressure releasing device. A pressure releasing opening controlled by a low-pressure valve is provided along the tubular body member. When the pump is turned off, the high-pressure backflow will be quickly released through the pressure releasing opening and the low-pressure valve helps to keep the water pressure inside the hose below a low pressure level to prevent dripping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Wu Li Agriculture Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: I-Jen Huang
  • Patent number: 7416030
    Abstract: A mechanical time delay apparatus for creating a time delay between a pneumatic inlet for connection to a source of pressurized gas and a pneumatic outlet includes a primary pneumatic flow path from the inlet to the outlet. A movable gate is associated with the primary pneumatic flow path and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The gate is urged by a biasing force to the closed position. In the closed position, the gate is disposed to block a flow of gas through the primary pneumatic flow path. In the open position, the gate permits such flow. The time delay apparatus further includes an accumulation chamber in communication with the gate for a gas pressure within the accumulation chamber to urge the gate against the biasing force to the open position when the gas pressure exceeds a threshold pressure. A secondary pneumatic flow path extends the inlet to the accumulation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Kidde Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Lawrence Lupien, Peter Karalis
  • Publication number: 20080197147
    Abstract: The method of regulating pressure in a vessel comprises the steps of feeding the vessel with gas at a given feed rate and of modulating the exhaust rate by means of a valve member placing facing an exhaust orifice and associated with a control member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Bertrand Gruson
  • Publication number: 20080185046
    Abstract: Systems and methods for recovering power fluid from a device under water and for pumping recovered power fluid to a surface of the water, the systems and methods, in certain aspects, including: flowing fluid from a subsurface apparatus to a subsurface recovery system, the fluid initially provided to the subsurface apparatus to power the subsurface apparatus; and the subsurface recovery system including pump apparatus for selectively pumping recovered fluid to a fluid container above a surface of the water. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Frank Benjamin Springett, Eric Trevor Ensley
  • Publication number: 20080163932
    Abstract: A valve comprising an inlet port, an outlet port, an exhaust port and a diaphragm disposed between the inlet and exhaust ports which is moveable, in response to air pressure within the valve, between a first position in which it seals the exhaust port and a second position in which the exhaust port is open, there being one or more projections associated with the exhaust port on which the diaphragm is able to rest in its first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Ian Martin Cottom
  • Patent number: 7392824
    Abstract: A fluid power device having at least one pressure regulator whose regulator housing is fitted at the end side with a manometer. In order to ensure readability of its display face when looking at it from different angles the manometer is able to be positioned at different alignments in relation to the regulator housing. For this purpose the manometer is mounted on a holder, which is able to be pivoted in relation to regulator housing about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and to the upright axis of the pressure regulator to present different display positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Grzegorz Bogdanowicz, Andreas Decker
  • Patent number: 7381650
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling pressure in a chamber during a time division multiplexed process. A throttle valve is positioned based on an open-loop pressure control algorithm within at least one step of the time division multiplexed etch process. A pressure response of the step is evaluated and compared to a desired pressure response. The throttle valve is then positioned through a proportional, integral and derivative controller step to step of the time division multiplexed etch process based on the evaluation to the desired pressure response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Unaxis USA Inc.
    Inventors: David Johnson, Russell Westerman, Mike Teixeira, Shouliang Lai
  • Publication number: 20080115837
    Abstract: Methods, environmental control systems, and computer program products are provided for controlling an internal environment of a pressurized compartment of a vehicle. In one aspect, the pressurized compartment includes first and second exit valves for selectively allowing gas to exit the pressurized compartment. The first and second exit valves are located, respectively, in spaced apart portions of the pressurized compartment. The pressurized compartment also includes first and second systems that are located, respectively, in the spaced apart portions of the pressurized compartment. Flow rates of gases in the first and second systems are determined and at least one of the first and second exit valves is controlled in response to the flow rate determinations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: John C. Gray
  • Patent number: 7352287
    Abstract: A pneumatic controller for controlling a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Veris Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Rupert
  • Publication number: 20080047721
    Abstract: A pressure regulating mechanism for use in a pneumatic tool includes a first relief valve and a second relief valve. The pneumatic tool includes a housing having an air intake passage, an exhaust passage and a connecting passage in air communication between the air intake passage and the exhaust passage, an air cylinder unit mounted in the housing. The air cylinder unit has an air chamber, an air passage in air communication between the air chamber and the air intake passage, and a through hole in air communication with the air passage. The first relief valve is for mounting in the connecting passage adjacent to the air cylinder unit. The second relief valve is for mounting in the through hole of the air cylinder unit. The pressure regulating mechanism maintains the air pressure inside the pneumatic tool stable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: TRANMAX MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsin-Chi Chen, Wu-Chuan Chang
  • Publication number: 20080011355
    Abstract: A pressure regulator is provided. In one embodiment, the pressure regulator includes a housing having a supply port for receiving a pressurized medium within the housing and an outlet port for outputting the pressurized medium to a downstream device. The housing of this embodiment also includes a vent port for venting the pressurized medium from the housing. The pressure regulator of this embodiment further includes two pistons disposed within the housing, wherein one piston controls flow of the pressurized medium through the supply port, and the other piston controls flow of the pressurized medium through the vent port, based on the level of pressure within the housing. Other embodiments of pressure regulator devices and systems are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas M. Bell, Scott D. Ward
  • Patent number: 7314059
    Abstract: Systems and methods for using a dual-path fluid routing system that uses a flow restriction device to enhance temperature and pressure control of fluid are provided. Systems and methods for using a setpoint pressure control system to accurately control the setpoint pressure of a regulator are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Active Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl T. Schuetze, Matthew D. Weaver
  • Patent number: 7255122
    Abstract: A valve for use in a pneumatic fluid system, such as an air brake system, is disclosed. The valve provides for fast release of pneumatic fluid from the delivery cavity through the exhaust port upon cessation of flow from the pneumatic fluid reservoir through the supply cavity. The valve includes a flow diverter that restricts fluid flow from the delivery cavity to the supply cavity when pneumatic fluid pressure in the supply cavity is less than that in the delivery cavity with minimal restriction of flow from the supply cavity to the delivery cavity when pressure in the supply cavity is greater than in the delivery cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Thanh Ho, Robert J. Herbst
  • Patent number: 7204821
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the volume of surgical fluid present in a cavity in the body of a patient during surgery includes a conduit to the cavity for conducting the surgical fluid therefrom to at least one receptacle for receiving the fluid from said cavity. A source of vacuum assists in withdrawing fluid from the cavity and a vacuum controller interposed between the vacuum source and the receptacle controls the duration of time the receptacle is exposed to vacuum from the vacuum source. The apparatus preferably has a vacuum sensor for sensing vacuum levels in the receptacle when disconnected from the source of vacuum and shares the source of vacuum with another application, giving priority to maintaining a proper vacuum level in the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher R. Clare, Steve Griffiths
  • Patent number: 7115520
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling pressure in a vacuum chamber during a time division multiplexed process. A throttle valve is pre-positioned and held for a predetermined period of time. A process gas is introduced into the vacuum chamber during the associated plasma step (deposition or etching) of the silicon wafer. At the end of the predetermined period of time, the process gas continues to flow with the throttle valve being released from the set position. At this point, the throttle valve is regulated through a proportional derivative and integral control for a period that lasts the remaining time of the associated plasma step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Unaxis USA, Inc.
    Inventors: David Johnson, Shouliang Lai, Russell Westerman
  • Patent number: 7089953
    Abstract: The invention concerns a controlled pneumatic valve (1), for remote inflating and deflating of a capacity (2), comprising a membrane (17) maintained between a valve body (18), including orifices (24) and a cover (19); and defining with said cover a control chamber (20) and with the body an escape chamber (21), the latter being capable of being connected with the capacity (2) for deflation when the check valve (28) is thrust by levers (32) inverting the direction of movement of the membrane (17) sucked towards the cover (19). By the action of a pressure in the control chamber (20), the membrane (17), bearing a cup (33) with an annular conduit, moves towards the body (18), isolates the escape chamber (21), and opens the check valve (28) by direct thrust to perform inflation. The inventive device is particularly designed to control and adjust tire pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Henri Beau
  • Patent number: 7021909
    Abstract: A pneumatic oscillator for providing pumping force to a pump. The oscillator has a single valve for controlling both the rate of oscillation of the oscillator and the flow of air. The valve includes a shuttle member and a detent mechanism. The detent mechanism controls the air flow in the oscillator and to the pump to which the oscillator is attached and the detent mechanism for regulating oscillation of the shuttle member. The configuration of the shuttle member and the detent mechanism eliminates the need for an additional valve to regulate oscillation of the oscillator. A cycle controller corresponding with the detent mechanism is adapted to change the rate of oscillation of shuttle member such that the need for additional valves or controllers for regulating the rate of oscillation is obviated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Trebor International, Inc.
    Inventor: Ricky B. Steck
  • Patent number: 7014076
    Abstract: A syrup delivery system delivers flavored syrup. A solenoid introduces air into the system and into an inlet of an exhaust diverter including a flexible diaphragm. The air exits the exhaust diverter through an outlet for entry into a syrup valve that dispenses the syrup. After dispensing of the syrup, the solenoid blocks air from entering the system. The air from the syrup valve reenters the exhaust diverter through the outlet. The air exits the exhaust diverter through the contaminated air exhaust. The air pushes on the flexible diaphragm, which contacts a seating surface around the inlet, preventing the air from exiting the exhaust diverter through the inlet. The remaining air in the system passes into the expansion tank and is diffused, causing any contaminates in the air to fall to the bottom of the expansion tank. The exhaust air is also subjected to a turbulent air flow path in the expansion tank that further separate any contaminants from the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Carrier Commercial Registration, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Minard, Pete McNamee, Mark Bush, Jon Peter Gilchrist
  • Patent number: 6997206
    Abstract: This invention relates to a pressure compensating valve and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a balanced pressure compensating valve, or regulator. The valve includes a chamber (6) for containing fluid, defined by a flexible barrier (2) trapped between first (3) and second (4) surfaces. A fluid inlet provides fluid to the interior of the chamber. A fluid outlet selectively allows fluid to pass out of the chamber. Movement of the first (3) and second (4) surfaces relative to each other causes change in contact between the flexible barrier and the first and second surfaces to selectively open the fluid outlet, in a first position, and occlude it between the flexible barrier and one of the surfaces, in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventors: Martinus Oliver Klockseth, Bengt Yngve Jervmo Roland, Goran Bertil Claes Berndtsson
  • Patent number: 6904925
    Abstract: This invention concerns a gas assist mold dump valve positioned between a gas controller and a mold cavity. Preferably, the valve includes a pressure regulator having a body with a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A vent is formed in the body between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with the gas controller and the outlet is in fluid communication with the mold cavity. A piston is mounted for reciprocal motion within the body and is movable between a first position to close and a second position to open the vent. Finally, a check valve communicates with the inlet and the outlet and has an open position that allows gas to flow from the inlet to the outlet and a closed position to close off the flow of gas from the outlet to the inlet. In operation, gas entering the inlet urges the piston toward its first position, passes through the check valve into the outlet and then enters said mold cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Bauer Compressors, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew McKaig
  • Publication number: 20040248125
    Abstract: A system 10 is provided for improved microarray biomolecular analysis. A microarray 36 is placed in a shallow chamber 20, and an induced motion of test fluid through the chamber is achieved by a sequential series of pulses directed to a plurality of source-sink pairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Mark A Stremler, Timothy S. Fisher, Frederick R. Haselton, David K. Schaffer, Mark McQuain
  • Patent number: 6827096
    Abstract: A relief valve includes an outer stem including a larger diameter fitting section and a smaller diameter fitting section, a movable valve element fitted in both fitting sections so as to be moved between an opening position and a closing position, a communication space extending through the stem and the valve element so that a compressed fluid flows through the space, a first normally closed seal disposed between the valve element and the smaller fitting section for closing a part of a circumferential gap defined between the valve element and the stem, a second seal disposed between the valve element and the larger diameter fitting section for closing a part of the circumferential gap extending from the larger diameter fitting section side to the communication space when the movable valve element has been moved to the closing position, the second seal opening the part when the movable valve element has been moved to the opening position, a relief hole formed in the stem so that the circumferential gap normall
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Pacific Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hisashi Kayukawa
  • Patent number: 6820640
    Abstract: A pressure control apparatus for use in a bed including a pressurized air source, an inflatable air sack, and an independently inflatable cell located adjacent the inflatable air sack. A controller is operable to regulate the pressure in the air sack and to independently alternately pressurize and vent the inflatable cell at a selected frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Hand, Robert C. Novack, Donald E. Williamson, James R. Stolpmann, Kenith W. Chambers
  • Patent number: 6805328
    Abstract: A shut-off valve apparatus has a valve body and a valve member coupled to the valve body. The valve member is movable between a first position blocking material flow through the valve body and a second position permitting material flow through the valve body. A pneumatic actuator receives pressurized air to move the valve member from the first position to the second position. A pneumatic exhaust controller controls the flow of pressurized air into and out of the pneumatic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Maxon Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory T. Filkovski, Brook W. Pence, Wayne D. Morroney
  • Patent number: 6796323
    Abstract: A dual seat valve which selectively supplies and releases fluid to and from a reservoir, such as a dome of a main valve in a pressure relief system. The valve comprises a housing with an interior chamber and an annular first seat surface. A valve assembly is configured for sliding movement within the housing, the valve assembly comprising a hollow stem with a distal end having an annular second seat surface. A sealing member such as a spherical ball is disposed within the interior chamber. In a first valve position, the second seat surface extends through and above the first seat surface, supporting the sealing member and permitting fluidic flow through the first seat surface. In a second valve position, the second seat surface retracts and the sealing member is supported on the first seat surface, permitting fluidic flow through the second seat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Taylor Innovations, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Julian S. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6789563
    Abstract: A pneumatic exhaust controller for use with a source of pressurized air comprises a manifold having a first portal coupled to the source of pressurized air, a second portal, and an exhaust portal. Two manifold embodiments are disclosed. Two regulator embodiments that operate to close the exhaust portal in response to pressurized air from the air source being communicated through the first portal and that operate to pass pressurized air from the pressurized air source to the second portal are disclosed. The regulators are situated in chambers of respective manifolds. A solenoid valve is coupled to each of the manifolds and is operable to block and unblock pneumatic communication between the respective first portal and the associated second and exhaust portals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Maxon Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory T. Filkovski, Brook W. Pence, Wayne D. Morroney
  • Patent number: 6779542
    Abstract: An insert or cartridge that fits into a cavity in a valve body provides a check valve function and an anti-cavitation function and a pressure relief function. This insert is substantially circular and has an internal cavity with a valve assembly that has two pairs of valve seats, one pair of valve seats providing the anti-cavitation function and the other pair of valve seats providing the pressure relief function. The outside of the insert itself engages with a sealing surface in the cavity in the valve body to provide the check valve function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: George T. Fiala, David W. Swaim