Responsive To Pressure Or Flow Interruption Patents (Class 137/119.03)
  • Patent number: 11952759
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a switching device for shower system and a shower system including same. The switching device for shower system includes a shell main body, a valve, a handle kit, and a sealing cover. The shell main body is internally provided with a partition, the partition is provided with a plurality of water passing holes, and a side of the partition is provided with a plurality of water chambers. The valve is located inside the shell main body, and a first end of the valve abuts on a side of the partition and communicates with the water passing holes. The handle kit is connected to a second end of the valve. The sealing cover is configured to block the water chambers at an outer end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: XIAMEN DELMEI SANITARY WARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wenjun Li, Weilong Luo, Chunhua Wang
  • Patent number: 11739851
    Abstract: A diverter valve for an appliance having water containing filamentous materials such as hair or string provides a low turbulence conduit (48) interconnecting an inlet (18) and multiple outlets (22a) reducing dead space and opportunities for filamentous materials to catch or collect. The conduit may be contained in a rotating spool (40) within a watertight housing (34) allowing simplified gasketing augmented by an ability to turn on and off waterflow separately, for example, with the valve or pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Krieger, Jonathan H. Olson
  • Patent number: 11725742
    Abstract: A pool cycling valve system with a pool cycling valve, a plurality of water zones, an interface, and a microcontroller. The pool cycling valve has a valve body with an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports. Each of the plurality of water zones is configured to fluidly couple with a respective outlet port of the plurality of outlet ports. The interface is configured to receive input from a user for a user-selected sequence for activating each water zone, a user-selected duration of activate time per water zone, and a number of water pressure cycles for a particular water zone to receive prior to activation of a subsequent water zone. The interface is configured to communicate the input to the microcontroller. The microcontroller is configured to intelligently and selectively discharge water to each of the plurality of water zones based on the input received from the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: COX GOETTL VALVE LLC
    Inventors: Steven James Goettl, John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 11639596
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of fluid switches, and more particularly to an bathtub faucet, comprising a housing (10), a first valve (11) which is disposed in the housing in the radial direction of the housing (10) and configured for switching on or switching off the flow of the fluid towards the outlet (100); a first base (12) which is disposed in the housing in the axial direction of the housing (10) and configured for diverting the fluid therethrough, and the first base comprises: first fluid guiding ports (120) disposed along the radial direction of the first base (12) and second fluid guiding ports (121) disposed at two ends of the first base (12) along its axial direction and are respectively communicated with the first fluid guiding port (120), and the first valve (11) is configured to sealingly engage to the first base (12) and communicated with the first fluid guiding ports (120), so that the fluid is controlled by the first valve (11) to be communicated with the second fluid
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: XIAMEN LOTA INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lucheng Wang, Jianping Zhou, Liming Ye, Chuanbao Zhu
  • Patent number: 11619313
    Abstract: A valve upper part for insertion into a sanitary fitting includes a head piece in which a spindle is pivotably mounted, the first end of the spindle projecting from the head piece and the second end thereof engaging via a pin with a control element which is in contact with a stationary passage disc, wherein the passage disc has at least two passage openings and wherein the control element is designed as an adjusting block which is dimensioned such that it can be used to seal at least one passage opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Fluehs Drehtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Joerg Wendt
  • Patent number: 11098820
    Abstract: Three-way valve drivable by a pump, switchable between at least two switch positions wherein a first port is selectively in fluid communication with a second port or with a third port. The three-way valve comprises a movable support and a pair of obstructing members carried by the movable support, at least one of which is responsive to the pressure applied by the pump at the first port, at least one of the movable support and obstructing members being movable due to transitions between an off-state and an on-state of the circulation pump. The obstructing members are adapted to engage reciprocatingly the respective seats of the three-way valve. The obstructing members are capable of changing shape synchronously when the pump switches from the off-state to the on-state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: ELBI INTERNATIONAL S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luca Magnone, Luigi Aita
  • Patent number: 10920681
    Abstract: A pressure control valve system includes a pressure control valve, an electric actuator, an upstream pressure sensor, a downstream pressure sensor, and a controller. The electric actuator adjustably opens and closes the pressure control valve. The upstream pressure sensor measures pressure upstream of the pressure control valve and outputs a plurality of sequential upstream pressure signals over a plurality of successive periods in time. The downstream pressure sensor measures pressure downstream of the pressure control valve and outputs a plurality of sequential downstream pressure signals over the plurality of successive periods in time. The a controller receives the upstream and downstream pressure signals and outputs a plurality of sequential command signals to the electric actuator. Each sequential command signal is based on a respective one of the plurality of sequential downstream and upstream pressure signals for a respective one of the plurality of successive periods in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventor: Loic Renault
  • Patent number: 10794500
    Abstract: A fluid switch-over device of the type that may be used in sanitary shower devices, the fluid switch-over device including a housing body which includes a fluid inlet channel and a plurality of fluid outlet channels arranged fluidically in parallel, a switch-over body which includes a fluid inlet, at least one fluid outlet and a fluid duct from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet and is disposed within the housing body to be translationally movable axially parallel and rotationally movable in a combined manner in relation to a longitudinal axis between at least two different operating positions. The switch-over body in each of the different operating positions is in fluid connection with the fluid inlet channel via its fluid inlet and differentially unblocks or blocks at least partially a fluid connection of its fluid outlet to the respective fluid outlet channel. An actuation unit for actuating the switch-over body includes an operating element disposed on the housing body to be user-operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Hansgrohe SE
    Inventors: Christiane Klein, Fabian Melle
  • Patent number: 10532821
    Abstract: A fluid system includes a controller, a control valve, and a fluid manifold. A first solenoid may be connected to the fluid manifold, the control valve, and/or the controller. A second solenoid may be connected to the fluid manifold, the control valve, and/or the controller. A first pressure sensor may be in fluid communication with an output of the control valve. A second pressure sensor may be in fluid communication with the fluid manifold. The controller may be configured to control operation of the control valve via the first solenoid and the second solenoid according to a first fluid pressure obtained via the first pressure sensor and according to a second fluid pressure obtained via the second pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Gilbert P. Freeth, Parag More, Robert Sbonek, Jaspal Rawat, Harshad P. Pawale, Chandrashekhar Nehete, Vikas Pandey, Balakrishnan Arumugam, Rajan Y. Tribhuvan, Bhupesh Jingar, Rohit Gupta
  • Patent number: 10415860
    Abstract: Provided is an air-conditioning apparatus including a switching valve and a bypass circuit. The switching valve is provided between an expansion valve and an outdoor heat exchanger. The bypass circuit has a first end connected to a refrigerant pipe connecting a compressor and an indoor heat exchanger to each other, and a second end connected to the switching valve. During a heating operation, the air-conditioning apparatus causes a rotating member of the switching valve to rotate to sequentially connect, to the bypass circuit, flow passages of the outdoor heat exchanger connected in parallel, to thereby defrost the outdoor heat exchanger while performing the heating operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Kosuke Tanaka, Takuya Matsuda
  • Patent number: 10307014
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a first reservoir for receiving a liquid to be used for preparing a beverage. A hot water generator (‘HWG’) has an inlet end, an outlet end and a passageway extending therebetween. The inlet end of the HWG is connected to the first reservoir. Liquid from the first reservoir flows into the HWG through the inlet end. A selector valve is connected to the outlet end of the HWG. At least a portion of the selector valve is movable by a user between a first valve position and a second valve position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: William D Starr, Patrick T Mulvaney, Adam Hanes, Larry Olson
  • Patent number: 10179232
    Abstract: A catheter including a tube with a coupling assembly at one end. The coupling assembly has an interior volume within which a ball is capture between a seat and a retainer. When fluid flows through the catheter in a first directed the fluid flows around the ball and exits through a port. When fluid starts to back-flow in a second direction the ball seals against the seat preventing flow in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Inventor: Bruce T. Huici
  • Patent number: 10036484
    Abstract: A pushbutton valve assembly is provided with a body including a space; a control assembly including a pushbutton, a connection subassembly, and two ratcheting subassemblies; an activation assembly having one end secured to the pushbutton, the activation assembly disposed through the connection subassembly to have the other in the space, and the activation assembly including a ratcheting mechanism; and a biasing member anchored between the body and the activation assembly. A pressing of the pushbutton moves down the activation assembly to cause the ratcheting subassemblies to apply a ratcheting action in a downward direction, thereby rotating the activation assembly a first angle, causing the ratcheting mechanism to apply a ratcheting action in the downward direction, and compressing the biasing member. A releasing of the pushbutton rotates the activation assembly a second angle, thereby re-positioning the activation assembly and the control assembly, and increasing or decreasing flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Fujian Xihe Sanitary Ware Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaofa Lin, Xiaoshan Lin, Qiqiao Liu, Xiaoqing Deng, Jun Xu
  • Patent number: 9980624
    Abstract: A variable position diverter that provides wash fluid to selected combinations of outlet ports and spray assemblies. The diverter includes a housing having a plurality of outlet ports and a valve disk having a plurality of apertures. The valve disk is rotated relative to the housing to align one or more of the plurality of apertures with one or more of the plurality of outlet ports to selectively control the flow of wash fluid through a plurality of spray assemblies. Selectively diverting wash fluid in this manner can improve wash performance and reduce cycle time while meeting government regulations regarding water usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Christopher Hofmann, Justin Daniel Ryan, Ethan Dale Welzbacker
  • Patent number: 9841769
    Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid flow regulating device and methods of using the same are described. Certain embodiments manages fluid flow between one or more input ports and output ports at least partly in response to fluid pressure changes and/or by a mechanism driven by fluid flow, optionally without using electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Colt Irrigation LLC
    Inventor: James Walter Hurst
  • Patent number: 9790667
    Abstract: A tub spout with a diverter mechanism includes a housing having an external surface and an internal cavity that includes a spout outlet. A water supply conduit is located within the internal cavity and provides a fluid path that is in fluid communication with the spout outlet. A push button extends outwardly of the external surface of the housing and is movable relative to the housing between a non-diverting position where water exits the spout outlet and a diverting position where water is prevented from exiting the spout outlet. A diverter gate is positioned within the internal cavity to selectively block the fluid path and is coupled for movement with the push button. A resilient member biases the push button to the non-diverting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Masco Canada Limited
    Inventors: Xan Vy Du, Frank Stauder, Alyson Brhelle, Bryan Fisher
  • Patent number: 9743822
    Abstract: A variable position diverter that provides wash fluid to selected combinations of outlet ports and spray assemblies. The diverter includes a housing having four fluid outlet ports, and a valve disk having a three apertures. The valve disk is rotated relative to the housing to align one or more of the three apertures with one or more of the four fluid outlet ports to selectively control the flow of wash fluid through corresponding spray assemblies. Selectively diverting wash fluid in this manner can improve wash performance and reduce cycle time while meeting government regulations regarding water usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Charles Boyer, Matthew David Mersch
  • Patent number: 9737191
    Abstract: A variable position diverter that provides wash fluid to selected combinations of outlet ports and spray assemblies. The diverter includes a housing having a first fluid outlet, a second fluid outlet, and a valve disk having four apertures. The valve disk is rotated relative to the housing to align one or more of the four apertures with one or both of the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet to selectively control the flow of wash fluid through corresponding spray assemblies. Selectively diverting wash fluid in this manner can improve wash performance and reduce cycle time while meeting government regulations regarding water usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Craig Curtis
  • Patent number: 8757193
    Abstract: A control valve includes a housing, an inlet port at the housing, a device port at the housing, a valve port at the housing, and a spool disposed at the housing, the spool initially connecting the inlet port to the device port and subsequently to a pressure event connecting the inlet port to the valve port. An actuation system includes a plurality of control valves, each valve being addressable and conditionable to communicate with one of a device and another control valve, and a plurality of devices each in operable communication with one of the plurality of control valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Donald P. Lauderdale
  • Patent number: 8671970
    Abstract: A flow meter trap primer valve assembly for regulating flow includes an inlet for receiving water from a supply, a check valve mounted within an adaptor having an elongate bore forming a jet, and the check valve includes a piston mounted within a cartridge. A biasing element normally urges the piston against a trap seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: JL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack S. Vilendre, M. Kevin Hardwick
  • Patent number: 8522810
    Abstract: Gravity and flow operated diverter valves are disclosed for diverting liquid flow from one source to either of two output destinations, the valves including a housing defining an inlet opening through a base wall, a first outlet opening through a first upper wall and a second outlet opening through a second upper wall. A valve member is movably suspended within the housing by a first end when no liquid is flowing into the inlet opening. The valve member is pivotable in a first direction to seal the first outlet opening and pivotable in a second direction to seal the second outlet opening. On successive liquid flows into the inlet opening the valve member automatically and alternatingly seals the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening. Related dishwasher designs are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Lee Armstrong, Stephen Froelicher, Joel Charles Boyer
  • Patent number: 8505567
    Abstract: A mounting mechanism of a shower equipment is provided. An adjusting device is mounted between a vertical supporting tube and a connector connected to a head shower, wherein the supporting tube is connected to a mounting base equipped with a faucet. One end of a lower joint pipe is connected to the supporting tube and the other end is mounted to an interior of a ball valve. A guiding base is located above the ball valve and formed with a ball-shaped slot for receiving the ball valve. One end of an upper joint pipe is connected to and received in an outer base so that the bottom of the end appropriately presses against the guiding base and the other end is connected to the connector. Whereby, in fabricating the shower equipment, it needs only to adjust the supporting tube without any additional device or hand tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Chao-Chung Wu
  • Patent number: 8397745
    Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid flow regulating device and methods of using the same are described. Certain embodiments manages fluid flow between one or more input ports and output ports at least partly in response to fluid pressure changes and/or by a mechanism driven by fluid flow, optionally without using electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Colt Irrigation, LLC
    Inventor: James Walter Hurst
  • Patent number: 8397744
    Abstract: A distribution valve monitor to monitor the operation of a distribution valve of the type having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, which couples the outlets to the inlet according to a desired fluid distribution pattern comprises a plurality of non-contact sensors disposed at spaced locations about the distribution valve to sense activation of the valve to different operating conditions. A controller communicates with the sensors and records data representing the operation of the valve. The recorded data is examined to detect improper operation of the distribution valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventors: Iain A. F. Galloway, Kelly A. Galloway
  • Publication number: 20120192903
    Abstract: Gravity and flow operated diverter valves are disclosed for diverting liquid flow from one source to either of two output destinations, the valves including a housing defining an inlet opening through a base wall, a first outlet opening through a first upper wall and a second outlet opening through a second upper wall. A valve member is movably suspended within the housing by a first end when no liquid is flowing into the inlet opening. The valve member is pivotable in a first direction to seal the first outlet opening and pivotable in a second direction to seal the second outlet opening. On successive liquid flows into the inlet opening the valve member automatically and alternatingly seals the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening. Related dishwasher designs are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: James Lee Armstrong, Stephen Froelicher, Joel Charles Boyer
  • Patent number: 8230871
    Abstract: A fluid flow regulating device is provided that maintains pressure and flow rate characteristics of a source fluid while the fluid is distributed to multiple delivery lines. The inventive device switches between multiple output ports in response to fluid pressure changes or by a mechanism driven by fluid flow. Thus, existing fluid delivery systems are easily expandable while avoiding installation of additional timing control mechanisms, electrical runs, or fluid sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: James W. Hurst
  • Patent number: 8215332
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a zone indicator and vacuum breaker combination. The zone indicator assembly includes a body having a funnel shaped interior providing a seal seat. A seal is provided upon a vacuum breaker flange of a shaft assembly. A lower end of the shaft assembly engages with a valve operating stem assembly of a rotating valve selecting disc. A zone indicator cap is assembled to an upper end of the shaft assembly. The cap adjusts vertically upon a body and cap interface disposed upon an upper end of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher L. Hubschmitt, Justin C. Miller, Gunter A. Albert
  • Patent number: 8161995
    Abstract: Gravity and flow operated diverter valves are disclosed for diverting liquid flow from one source to either of two output destinations, the valves including a housing defining an inlet opening through a base wall, a first outlet opening through a first upper wall and a second outlet opening through a second upper wall. The housing is operable in a configuration with the base wall arranged vertically beneath the first and second upper walls. A valve member has a first end, a second end, and a central portion, the valve member being movably suspended within the housing by the first end when no liquid is flowing into the inlet opening. The valve member is pivotable in a first direction to seal the first outlet opening and pivotable in a second direction to seal the second outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Lee Armstrong, Stephen Froelicher, Joel Charles Boyer
  • Patent number: 7735509
    Abstract: A distribution valve monitor to monitor the operation of a distribution valve of the type having an inlet and a plurality of outlets, which couples the outlets to the inlet according to a desired fluid distribution pattern comprises a plurality of non-contact sensors disposed at spaced locations about the distribution valve to sense activation of the valve to different operating conditions. A controller communicates with the sensors and records data representing the operation of the valve. The recorded data is examined to detect improper operation of the distribution valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventors: Iain A. F. Galloway, Kelly A. Galloway
  • Publication number: 20080190488
    Abstract: A fluid flow regulating device is provided that maintains pressure and flow rate characteristics of a source fluid while the fluid is distributed to multiple delivery lines. The inventive device switches between multiple output ports in response to fluid pressure changes or by a mechanism driven by fluid flow. Thus, existing fluid delivery systems are easily expandable while avoiding installation of additional timing control mechanisms, electrical runs, or fluid sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: James W. Hurst
  • Patent number: 7096879
    Abstract: A pillar sink mixer has a hot water faucet pillar, a cold water faucet pillar, a mixing chamber and a diverter valve to supply mixed water to a faucet nozzle or to a hand spray. The mixing chamber and diverter valve are positioned in a bridge above a mounting surface, and a passage, providing fluid communication with the hand spray device, being incorporated within the bridge and a faucet pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Avilion Limited
    Inventor: Duncan Yardley
  • Patent number: 6755204
    Abstract: A land (56) on an index member (32) disposed in the interior chamber of a manifold (38) is aligned with an actuating member (34) and thereby holds open a check valve (36) through which fluid flows into the manifold's interior chamber, through a control valve (12), and out a manifold outlet (74). At the same time, another actuating pin (42) is so aligned with a recess (58) in the indexing member (32) as to permit another check valve (44) to prevent flow through itself into the manifold chamber. When the control valve is closed, flow stops, and pressure builds up in the manifold chamber. The index member (32) is accordingly driven against the force of a bias spring (48) to a lower position, in which a lower cam-follower surface (82) engages a lower cam surface (84). That engagement rotates the index member to a position in which it permits pressure to be communicated through both check valves (36 and 44) into the manifold chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kay Herbert, Natan E. Parsons, Fatih Guler
  • Patent number: 6697713
    Abstract: A method of controlling a gas distribution system in which one or more air separation plants supply gaseous oxygen and nitrogen products to pipeline sections. The air separation plants are controlled by supervisory control systems that direct production rates of the gaseous products to be consumed by customers connected to the pipeline sections. The gas distribution system is controlled by a model predictive control system in which empirically determined open loop response models are used to generate open loop responses of the pipeline sections due to changes in customer demands. Optimized closed loop responses in production rate requests to the supervisory control systems are generated by model predictive control techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Megan, David F. Lennox, Paul F. Scharf, Derin Adebekun, Mark Zhu
  • Patent number: 6371150
    Abstract: There is provided a flow dividing valve capable of instantaneously and continuously setting the ratio of flow rates for dividing the fluid in an inlet port into a plurality of outlet ports. The flow dividing valve comprises a flow rate control spool for dividing a flow rate of the fluid in said inlet port into a predetermined ratio of flow rates, and a flow rate ratio-setting spool for setting said ratio of flow rates to control said flow rate control spool, said flow rate ratio-setting spool being operated by a control signal from an external unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Shin Caterpillar Mitsubishi Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Shimada
  • Patent number: 6367506
    Abstract: A switch valve is provided in a refrigerant circuit. The switch valve includes a first valve mechanism, a second valve mechanism, and a single valve housing incorporating the first and second valve mechanisms. The first valve mechanism is an electromagnetic valve. The first valve mechanism selectively connects and disconnects an outlet of a compressor with an inlet of a condenser in accordance with an electric current supply. The second valve mechanism is a differential pressure valve. The second valve mechanism selectively connects and disconnects the outlet of the compressor with an inlet of an evaporator in accordance with a difference between the pressure at the outlet of the compressor and the pressure at the inlet of the condenser. In this manner, the single switch valve, which includes the first and second valve mechanisms incorporated in the same valve housing, switches the refrigerant circuit between a path for a cooling operation and a path for a warming operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Pacific Industrial Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Takagi, Tetsuo Hirose
  • Patent number: 6289859
    Abstract: A V-shaped internal combustion engine in which banks of cylinders are V-shaped relative to each other and in which an intake manifold 40 is disposed between the V-shaped banks of cylinders, wherein a hydraulic pressure control valve 50 for controlling hydraulic pressures that are supplied to a hydraulic pressure control device is disposed at an end of a cylinder block 4 in a direction of a crankshaft between the V-shaped banks of cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noriaki Fujii, Kouta Yoshiura
  • Patent number: 6240949
    Abstract: A three-way valve is configured as a solenoid operated diverter when the solenoid is used in parallel with a poppet valve. When the diverter is in a first mode, hydraulic fluid entering a first port exits the valve through a system outlet port while hydraulic fluid entering a second port exits through a second port. The solenoid valve is positioned to close the second port when energized in order to shift the system to a second mode. When the solenoid valve is energized to close the second port so that all of the fluid entering the second port opens the poppet valve and exits through the system outlet. By utilizing a poppet valve in parallel with a solenoid valve rather than a valve spool, the three-way diverter is able to operate at higher pressures and higher fluid flow because Bernoulli effects which cause closing of valve spools used in prior art three-way valves do not adversely affect the poppet valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald Ross Gerstenberger