Specific Valve Or Valve Element Mounting Or Repairing Patents (Class 137/15.17)
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Patent number: 7954510Abstract: A retainer for movably securing a valve member within a fluid bore of a pump comprises a retainer head which includes at least one peripheral groove and a retainer hub which is connected to or formed integrally with the retainer head. The valve member is movably coupled to the retainer hub, and the retainer head is movable to position the groove over a radial protrusion in the fluid bore. In this position, the retainer is secured to the pump and the valve member is accordingly movably secured within the fluid bore.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2010Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Steven L. Schwegman
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Publication number: 20110088788Abstract: An automatically adjusting control valve comprises a valve body; a valve seat within the valve body; a sealing disc adjacent the valve seat when the valve is closed and offset from the valve seat when the valve is open; an armature adjacent the sealing disc and operable to move the sealing disc linearly within the valve body; a biasing mechanism which biases the armature toward a first position; and an actuation stem configured to overcome the biasing mechanism and move the armature between the first position and a second position upon manual operation. The actuation stem may comprise a portion which engages the armature during movement between the first position and the second position The portion may be configured to deform to accommodate manufacturing tolerances of the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: AUTOMATIC SWITCH COMPANYInventors: Paul W. Freisinger, Ahmad Abbas Chaudhry
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Patent number: 7913712Abstract: A fuel tank made of a plastic material and fitted with at least one fuel accessory attached to an inside surface of a wall thereof, wherein the fuel accessory is attached to a predetermined site at the inside surface by fusion welding. Further there is disclosed a fuel accessory for attaching to a site at an inside wall portion of a plastic material fuel tank, comprising a housing formed with an engaging surface attachable to the site. The engaging surface is fitted with a fusion melting element for fusion welding the fuel accessory to the fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2008Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Raval A.C.S. Ltd.Inventors: Omer Vulkan, Yehoshua Kleinberg, Moshe Ehrman
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Patent number: 7748397Abstract: An assembly of two components configured to be in contact with hydrocarbons, and a fuel tank including the assembly. The assembly includes a casing or a retaining member fastened to the casing, each of the two components including at least one fastening part configured to interact, and at least one of the components being made from a material configured to swell through action of the hydrocarbons, thus reinforcing retention of the components on one another. A method for manufacturing such a tank includes assembling the two components in the absence of fuel, and then bringing the two components into contact with the fuel.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)Inventors: Eric Firtion, Patrice Baudoux, Alexis Rosseel
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Patent number: 7730901Abstract: A system for securing a hydrant to a roof of a building is provided that includes a hydrant support that rigidly interconnects to the roof deck. In addition, a method of sealingly interconnecting a standpipe of the hydrant to the hydrant support is provided wherein a plurality of seals are employed. In order to enhance the seal provided between the standpipe and a hydrant support, a boot may be used that covers the interface between the standpipe and the hydrant support.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.Inventor: William T. Ball
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Patent number: 7713603Abstract: A molded article is disclosed. According to an embodiment, the molded article includes a blow-molded parison of material having an undercut formed in a surface of the parison of material. An apparatus for providing an undercut molding feature in a mold tool is also disclosed. According to an embodiment, the apparatus includes one or more undercut forming surfaces and an actuator pin that causes the one or more undercut forming surfaces to move to/from an undercut molding position or an undercut de-molding position. A method for providing an undercut molding feature in a mold tool is also disclosed. According to an embodiment, the method includes the step of moving an actuator to a position of engagement with one or more undercut forming surfaces to cause movement of the one or more undercut forming surfaces to/from an undercut molding position and an undercut de-molding position. A method for molding a molded article is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Vitec, LLCInventors: Ahmad Farran, Karim Amellal, Ryan Beebe, Jeanne Schairer
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Patent number: 7708024Abstract: A valve comprises a housing, a conduit, and a shut-off member, and a plurality of ribs. The conduit is fixed in position relative to the housing. The ribs are spaced from the conduit. The shut-off member is fixed in position within a cavity of the housing via the ribs. The gate has a fluid passageway extending therethrough and is movable relative to the shut-off member between opened and closed positions. The gate is able to linearly reciprocate between opened and closed positions along the center axis of the conduit. The gate is engaged with the shut-off member when the gate is in the closed position in a manner preventing fluid from flowing through the fluid passageway of the gate. The opened position of the gate allows fluid to flow through the fluid passageway of the gate.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2008Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Inventors: Thomas A. Hartman, Brian T. Hartman
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Patent number: 7681589Abstract: A retainer for movably securing a valve member within a fluid bore of a pump comprises a retainer head which includes at least one peripheral groove and a retainer hub which is connected to or formed integrally with the retainer head. The valve member is movably coupled to the retainer hub, and the retainer head is movable to position the groove over a radial protrusion in the fluid bore. In this position, the retainer is secured to the pump and the valve member is accordingly movably secured within the fluid bore.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2006Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Steven L. Schwegman
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Publication number: 20100000612Abstract: A remotely activated shut-off and method of using the same for stopping a fluid flow in a fluid line by actuating an existing valve in fluid connection with the fluid line wherein the valve is within an existing valve body and includes an existing external element for the actuating of the valve between a valve open position and a valve closed position. The shut-off including an outer body having means for connecting the outer body to the valve body in a mounted position such that the external element is substantially covered when the shut-off is in the mounted position. The shut-off further including a coupler for mating engagement with the external element such that movement of the coupler is translated to the external element and a lever within the housing that is moveable between a first position and a second position and is selectively engageable with the coupler such that movement of the lever from the first position to the second position actuates the valve to the valve closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2009Publication date: January 7, 2010Inventors: Kirk A. Gebler, John G. Henderson
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Patent number: 7624748Abstract: The invention relates to a valve which is insertable into a receiving recess (21) of a valve carrier (22), the valve (1, 1?) comprising a first housing part (2, 2?) and a closing body (4). The closing body (4) cooperates with a sealing surface (9) to form a sealing seat, the valve (1, 1?) being fixable in the receiving recess (21) of the valve carrier (22) by means of the first housing part (2, 2?). A second housing part (3, 3?) is connectable by way of a first end (7) to the first housing part (2, 2?) and the sealing surface (9) cooperating with the closing body (4) is formed on the second housing part (3, 3?).Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Brueninghaus Hydromatik GmbHInventor: Clemens Krebs
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Publication number: 20090165866Abstract: A valve is disclosed that has a control ball. The control ball has a passageway within which a sensor is disposed. The sensor measures a characteristic of the fluid passing through the control ball. The control ball can be controlled either manually or with an electronic actuator. A method is disclosed of retrofitting an existing fluid distribution system by replacing a valve that lacks sensing capabilities with a new valve having a sensor. The sensor measures the flow, temperature, or pressure of the fluid, and provides a signal that can be remotely monitored and corresponds to the measured characteristic.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventor: Giovanni Fima
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Publication number: 20090056815Abstract: A retrofit valve assembly for a frost-resistant hydrant comprises ceramic valve disks and a hydrant adapter to enable the valve assembly to be readily retrofit to existing frost-resistant hydrants produced by different manufacturers.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: AMERIKAM, INC.Inventor: Patrick Fitzpatrick
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Publication number: 20090000666Abstract: An anchor valve for security is disclosed. The anchor valve includes a check valve with a flapper for preventing a contaminant from entering the fluid supply system. Contaminants that are outboard of the anchor valve are unable to pass by and are expelled when the fluid supply valve is opened. The anchor valve may include an access cover for maintenance and inspection of the flapper and the check valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventor: Nicholaus J. Peyton
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Patent number: 7458394Abstract: A servovalve assembly includes a motor having a flapper shaft. A flapper couples to a first end of the flapper shaft such that the flapper shaft orients the flapper between a first nozzle and a second nozzle of the servovalve assembly. An adjustment assembly adjusts a position of the flapper relative to the nozzles of the servovalve. The adjustment assembly enables a servovalve manufacturer to set the flapper of the servovalve at a null position without disassembling the servovalve. Rather, the manufacturer is capable of simply installing the adjustment assembly and deforming an arm portion of the adjustment assembly for proper null position calibration.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: HR Textron, Inc.Inventors: Muchlis Achmad, Bernard Johnson
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Publication number: 20080283124Abstract: An apparatus for installing an anti-siphon device into an automotive fuel filler comprises; a cylindrical mandrel having an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface of the mandrel adapted to receive a proximal end of the hose; a first grasping means configured to grasp the hose at a predetermined distance from a proximal end of the hose, and to insert the proximal end of the hose onto the outer surface of the mandrel; a first actuating means for inducing the first grasping means to grasp the hose at the predetermined distance from the proximal end of the hose, and to insert the proximal end of the hose onto the outer surface of the mandrel; a second grasping means configured to grasp and hold the proximal end of the hose on the mandrel during installation of the anti-siphon device in the hose; a second activating means for inducing the second grasping means to grasp the proximal end of the hose on the mandrel, and hold the hose thereon during installation of the anti-siphon device into the hose;Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventors: Joel Hatchett, Ben F. Holt, Jimmy Perry
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Patent number: 7389789Abstract: A fuel tank made of a plastic material and fitted with at least one fuel accessory attached to an inside surface of a wall thereof, wherein the fuel accessory is attached to a predetermined site at the inside surface by fusion welding. Further there is disclosed a fuel accessory for attaching to a site at an inside wall portion of a plastic material fuel tank, comprising a housing formed with an engaging surface attachable to the site. The engaging surface is fitted with a fusion melting element for fusion welding the fuel accessory to the fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2004Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Raval-Agriculture Cooperative Societies Ltd.Inventors: Omer Vulkan, Yehoshua Kleinberg, Moshe Ehrman
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Publication number: 20080035868Abstract: A valve unit is connected to a fixed member and an external member. The valve unit includes an actuator to actuate a valve member for communicating and blocking a fluid passage. The valve unit includes a housing defining a chamber therein for absorbing variation in pressure. A mount member secures the housing to the external member. A protruding portion is provided at a location other than a location of the mount member. The protruding portion outwardly extends, thereby being inserted into an insertion hole of the fixed member. A bias member is provided to a substantially annular groove in an outer periphery of the protruding portion. An eccentrically positioning unit positions a bottom surface of the substantially annular groove eccentrically with respect to the insertion hole to bias the bias member to an inner periphery defining the insertion hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Hideki Okuda
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Patent number: 7275556Abstract: A low permeation weldable fuel tank assembly is provided to reduce fuel vapor permeation from a fuel tank. The weldable fuel tank assembly has a mounting portion mountable to the fuel tank and a valve housing that is attachable to the mounting portion. In one aspect, the mounting portion includes a fuel vapor permeation barrier. In another aspect, an anti-permeation cap with a fuel vapor permeation barrier is affixed to a portion of a tank assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Alfmeier CorporationInventor: Axel Frohwein
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Patent number: 7231932Abstract: An embodiment of the invention involves a method for servicing a choke valve that includes disconnecting a choke actuator and at least one internal valve component engaged therewith from the choke valve body of the choke valve and moving the same in a generally linear path away from the choke valve body along the axis of the choke valve body.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2006Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Power Well Services, L.P.Inventors: Robert F. Schmidt, David A. Schmidt, John Walton McCaskill
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Patent number: 7210500Abstract: A servovalve assembly includes a motor having a flapper shaft. A flapper couples to a first end of the flapper shaft such that the flapper shaft orients the flapper between a first nozzle and a second nozzle of the servovalve assembly. An adjustment assembly adjusts a position of the flapper relative to the nozzles of the servovalve. The adjustment assembly enables a servovalve manufacturer to set the flapper of the servovalve at a null position without disassembling the servovalve. Rather, the manufacturer is capable of simply installing the adjustment assembly and deforming an arm portion of the adjustment assembly for proper null position calibration.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: HR Textron, Inc.Inventors: Muchlis Achmad, Bernard Johnson
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Patent number: 7159604Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in field servicing a choke valve system. The apparatus is used for lifting, manipulating, and handling the heavy components of hydraulic choke valves. The apparatus includes an elongated track, a choke valve support structure, a trolley that selectably reciprocates along a length of the trolley, and an attachment mechanism for attaching a choke actuator to the trolley.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Power Well Services, L.P.Inventors: David A. Schmidt, Robert F. Schmidt, John W. McCaskill
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Patent number: 7131452Abstract: A device that is adapted to be mounted to an interior surface of a polymeric fuel tank includes a body, a weld foot adapted to be inserted into the molten inner surface of the fuel tank and having a support surface adapted to control insertion of the weld foot into the molten inner surface of the fuel tank and to position the device relative to the inner surface, and a break zone positioned between and interconnecting the weld foot and the body and having a structural cross section that is weaker than the weld foot and the body such that under sufficient force, the break zone will fracture and allow the body to separate from the inner surface of the fuel tank, thereby leaving the weld foot embedded within the inner surface of the fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2004Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James Fuller Potter, Kale Stephen Schulte
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Patent number: 7111823Abstract: An actuator having a set of slidable pistons including sliding regions with the sliding regions including at least one wear member supported by a resilient member and a second wear member laterally spaced from the first wear member with a lubrication reservoir located therebetween for maintaining the wear members in lubricated sliding engagement with the cylindrical walls of the housing to limit the need to replace or repair the actuator. In order to provide ingress and egress of fluid from the chambers within the actuator a channel passage extends along the back side of the extension of the piston to permit quick venting of fluid therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2005Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Dynamic AirInventor: Robert A. Hansen
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Patent number: 7104273Abstract: A replacement torque converter clutch regulator valve assembly for use within an automatic transmission including two cooperating valves, namely a regulator apply valve and an isolator valve, disposed in fluid communication with a line pressure circuit and a torque converter clutch apply circuit is disclosed. In one embodiment the regulator apply valve employs a regulator apply valve sleeve, which provides support to the regulator apply valve to prevent side loading. Modified control lands on the regulator apply valve have a reduced cross-sectional area calculated to increase the influence of the pulse width modulated solenoid, which provides an output pressure in response to the duty cycle imposed on the solenoid coil in pulse width modulated converter systems. In an alternative embodiment an isolator valve sleeve is utilized for instances wherein the isolator valve bore has extreme wear that cannot be corrected solely by the installation of the replacement isolator valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventor: Maura Jane Stafford
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Patent number: 7040337Abstract: A valve override system for allowing a user to restore flow through a gate valve that has failed in the closed position. The valve override system includes an engagement assembly being designed for engaging a gate of the gate valve assembly whereby the engagement assembly is for urging the gate of the gate valve assembly into an open position to allow fluid to pass through the gate valve assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Inventor: Michael Johnson
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Patent number: 7040345Abstract: The invention provides a flap valve for controlling the air pressure within a protected space defined by walls, the flap valve having a valve flap, articulated at least indirectly to the surface of one of the walls and being subjectable to both a sealing force which forces the valve flap against a valve seat surrounding an opening in the wall surface and to an opening force which lifts the flap off the valve seat. The flap valve has a first position in which the protected space is sealed off from a contaminated environment, and a second position in which air from the protected space is allowed to escape into the environment via the opening, wherein the sealing force is a magnetic attraction between a portion of the surface of the valve flap and the valve seat. A method for controlling the air pressure within a protected space is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Beth-El Zikhron-Ya'Aqov Industries, LTDInventors: Samuel Koeger, Albrecht Fuchs
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Patent number: 7021325Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body with an access opening in which a linearly installed but pivotally operated gate-like valve-stopping mechanism is disposed, said mechanism including a support structure or cartridge with a pivotally moveable valve-stopping element or isolator (e.g., a butterfly element). A method for hot tapping a pipeline with a valve assembly as described above proceeds by (i) connecting the valve body to a line to be tapped, (iii) connecting a hot-tapping machine to the valve body, (iv) connecting a bonnet holding the valve-stopping mechanism to the valve body over the access opening, (v) hot tapping the line, (vi) advancing the valve-stopping mechanism into the valve body interior, and (vii) disconnecting the hot-tapping machine from the valve body with the valve-stopping element pivoted to the first position where it stops fluid communications. The gate-like valve-stopping mechanism can replace a gate in an insert valve (IV) or a repair-under-pressure (RUP) valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: OccludeInventors: Jeffrey L. Maichel, Thomas A. Sovilla
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Patent number: 6945510Abstract: A valve comprising an electromagnetic solenoid assembly, a valve assembly, and a fastening device is provided. The fastening device is configured to removably couple the electromagnetic solenoid assembly to the valve assembly. The fastening device is retained by the electromagnetic solenoid assembly when the electromagnetic solenoid assembly is uncoupled from the valve assembly. The valve assembly may include a valve body having a valve seat surface and a valve element having a seating surface to seat against the valve seat surface. The valve seat surface may include a resilient sealing element and a hard stop element, such that the valve element in a closed, seated position provides a substantially zero leakage valve closure.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Analex CorporationInventor: Igor N. Dralyuk
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Patent number: 6902704Abstract: An injection pump assembly 10 in a chemical delivery system for simultaneously delivering reagents into a combinatorial reactor system having multiple injectors. The assembly 10 has a plurality of injectors 12, each injector 12 being in fluid communication with one of the multiple reactors. Each injector 12 has (1) a pump 14 in which a plunger 18 sealingly moves to ingest, store and discharge a flushing solvent 20; (2) a pipette assembly 22 for loading, storing, and discharging one or more reagents into one of the reactors in the combinatorial reactor system, first and second reservoirs for retaining some of the reagents; (3) one or more hollow needles 32, each for selectively delivering a reagent 24 to the first 28 or the second 24 reservoir; (4) a first valve 34 positioned downstream of the first 28 reservoir; and (5) a second valve 36 positioned downstream of the second 30 reservoir. When each valve 34, 36 is in a closed position, the reagents 24, 48 can be stored in isolation from each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, L.PInventor: Ronnie E. Wilson
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Patent number: 6889702Abstract: A replaceable valve seat ring for a valve assembly has an annular ring body and an open flow passage extending through the ring body. A seating surface is provided on the ring body adjacent one end of the flow passage. A tool accepting region of the flow passage is formed concentric with and at least partially along the flow passage. The tool accepting region is adapted to receive a standard tool head therein for installing and removing the valve seat ring.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2004Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC.Inventors: Randy J. Hall, Ronald C. Burr, Carl D. Miller
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Patent number: 6851659Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure device, in particular for closing ducts in a valve-accommodating member in which pressure medium is conveyed, comprising a rotationally symmetric closure member that is wedged in an accommodating bore of a housing. The calked joint is configured as a calking cone so that the accommodating bore forms a funnel-shaped contraction in the direction of the closure member, said contraction covering the periphery of the closure member in the area of a collar, and succeeding the calking cone is a second housing step that is expanded in relation to the first housing step, said step being formed by the housing material deforming plastically to the funnel-shaped contraction of the accommodating bore.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2001Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., oHGInventors: Ulrich Zutt, Thomas Schuster, Marcus Forche, Christoph Voss, Frank Holl, Andreas Richter
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Patent number: 6840361Abstract: A torque converter clutch solenoid assembly for controlling the converter clutch apply cycle of a General Motors 4L60-E transmission. The present solenoid assembly includes a solenoid snout having a longitudinal bore terminating in a fluid orifice wherein a one-way check valve has been installed to prevent transmission fluid backflow from the torque converter when not operating. The present check valve effectively replaces and performs the function of the original equipment converter clutch signal orifice check valve located in the converter clutch signal circuit, which actuates the torque converter clutch apply valve. The present solenoid assembly precludes the malfunction of the original equipment torque converter clutch apply valve resulting from physical displacement of the original equipment signal orifice check valve under fluid pressure.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2003Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventor: Scott C. Jackson
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Patent number: 6742536Abstract: A fuel vapor vent valve is formed of different plastic material than the fuel tank. A U-shaped or cupped attachment member formed of tank material is received over the valve with the upper end slotted to permit the hose fitting to extend outwardly through the slot for hose attachment within the tank. The rim of the attachment member is secured by weldment to the undersurface of the upper tank wall.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Vaughn K. Mills
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Patent number: 6722385Abstract: A hydraulic spool valve repair kit comprising a cylindrical valve cap and a replacement spring retainer plate and a method of use of these components for increasing the service longevity of such a hydraulic spool valve within the valve body of an automatic transmission is disclosed. The present valve cap is a cylindrical steel construction having a longitudinal bore, which is radially disposed about a terminal end of the aluminum valve piston to provide a more durable contact surface and to substantially reduce mechanical wear between the dissimilar materials of the original components. The replacement spring retainer plate, which inadvertently contacts the valve piston under some operating conditions, is reconfigured to include resilient leg members for retention of the spring retainer plate within the valve body and also provides a stable spring seat for the compression spring that actuates the spool valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.Inventor: Lawrence P. Bolaski
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Patent number: 6698445Abstract: A fluid flow control damper assembly having a damper vane and a piston actuator is relatively easy to install when the outer surface of a duct is inaccessible. The piston actuator includes a powder metal piston, lacking an elastomeric (for example, rubber) seal, that is closely received within a glass cylinder. The glass cylinder has a fitting that closes one end of the cylinder and is connectable to a pneumatic control system. A drive rod is connected between the piston and the damper vane to move the damper vane between an open position and a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Inventor: Alex Zelczer
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Patent number: 6668852Abstract: A service sleeve coupled with a frost proof sillcock including a housing having an outer surface and defining an inner chamber for receiving an inner portion of the sillcock, a stem portion, and an area of water pipe that extends radially from the stem portion to the structure's water supply. The service sleeve further includes a cap having an inner surface, a first end having a diameter to receive the outer surface of the housing, and a second end having a diameter sized to slidingly receive the water pipe. The stem portion having a male portion and a female portion. The male and female portions have bores therethrough. The female portion having an inlet end coupled to the water pipe and an opening opposite the inlet end for access to the bore of the female portion. The male portion having an outlet end for connecting to the inner portion of the sillcock and an opening for access to the bore of the male portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Continental Industries, Inc.Inventor: John Theodore Williamson
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Patent number: 6640826Abstract: A temporary ball valve support structure is utilized to apply pressure to the ball in a ball valve so that a seal is maintained between the ball and the upstream seal member in the ball valve to prevent fluid from leaking from the valve while the valve is being serviced. The temporary ball valve support allows a downstream seal member and the ball valve retainer housing assembly to be removed. This allows the outer seal and retainer to be replaced and/or serviced without allowing fluid to escape from the tank or pipe. First and second ball support members are alternately used to force the ball member against the upstream seal member.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2001Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: GATX Rail CorporationInventor: Douglas O. Mullins
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Patent number: 6601605Abstract: An end-cap lockingly securable to the end of the pipe at the same time a secondary action such as a branch line is formed to the main pipe line. The end cap housing has an integral branch forming member to allow a user to lock the end cap to the pipe by forming a branch line on the side of the pipe with the end cap housing sandwiching the end of a pipe between a pipe insert and a pipe receptor in the end cap housing. The pipe receptor includes an insert having a sealing surface, which when engaged to the interior surface of a pipe, forms a leak-proof relationship with the pipe.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: King Technology of Missouri Inc.Inventor: Lloyd Herbert King, Jr.
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Patent number: 6581620Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing a valve, the valve being attached to a tank, the method including steps of providing a valve tool having a rigid tube and having an elastic air bladder, such bladder having a port, the port being connected to the tube, the valve tool further having a check valve; opening the valve in need of repair; extending the valve tool into such valve; injecting air into the rigid tube, causing the bladder to seal against the tank; detaching and withdrawing such valve; repairing such valve; reattaching such valve; opening the check valve to break the seal; and withdrawing the valve tool.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Inventors: Dennis Babcock, Randal Lyon
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Patent number: 6536462Abstract: A cover is provided for selectively covering and uncovering a fire hydrant or the like so that the hydrant is protected and easily located and maintained. The cover has an upper cover portion formed to enclose the fire hydrant when positioned over the fire hydrant. The upper cover portion has a bottom portion terminating in a bottom perimeter. The cover also a cover securing portion adapted to be removably attachable to the fire hydrant. The cover securing portion has an outer peripheral portion adjacent the bottom of the upper cover portion and plurality of flexible securing tabs. The flexible securing tabs extend inwardly from the outer peripheral portion to a tab securing surface which contacts the fire hydrant when the cover is positioned over the fire hydrant and secures the cover to the fire hydrant.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Inventor: David G. Laugen
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Patent number: 6513543Abstract: A fluid handling assembly that includes a modular strut removably secured to a valve that permits easy access to internal valve parts for repair and inspection.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.Inventors: Brad L. Noll, William M. Orr
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Patent number: 6499500Abstract: A motor vehicle fuel tank comprising a shell and inside the shell at least one add-on element such as a valve. Said shell presents a portion in relief and an add-on element is connected to the shell by means of an intermediate element having at least one elastically-deformable portion arranged to be connected after elastic deformation in or on said portion in relief, so as to hold the intermediate element to the shell. The add-on element is arranged to be connected to the intermediate element in such a manner as to prevent the elastically-deformable portion of the intermediate element from being subjected to inverse elastic deformation enabling it to become disengaged from said portion in relief.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Compagnie Plastic OmniumInventor: Alexis Rosseel
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Patent number: 6422205Abstract: A connector assembly and a method of disconnecting the connector assembly. The connector assembly comprises a first part and a second part. The first part extends along a longitudinal axis and has a protrusion that extends radially outward from the longitudinal axis. The second part receives the first part and has a wall surrounding the longitudinal axis. The wall has an inner surface generally confronting the longitudinal axis, an outer surface generally facing opposite the inner surface, a channel cooperatively receiving the protrusion; and an arm portion. The arm portion has a first surface defining a portion of the inner surface, a second surface defining a portion of the outer surface, and a bulge extending from the arm portion into the channel. The bulge engages the protrusion and maintains the first and second parts in a connected configuration.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Siemens Automotive CorporationInventors: James A. Wynn, Jr., Barry S. Robinson
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Patent number: 6409150Abstract: The invention is a pin valve having a detachable valve body cover which makes the valve stem assembly accessible from the end of the valve in which the valve stem protrudes. The removable valve body cover can be replaced independently if this end of the valve is damaged. The valve body cover also has a valve seat which is more accessible and is more easily machined. The valve body cover is typically adapted to accommodate an allen wrench type tool to simplify removal and reattachment. The invention eliminates the need to disconnect the valve at the second open end when replacing the valve stem assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1999Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Inventors: Dennis J. Sullivan, Sr., Dennis J. Sullivan, Jr.
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Patent number: 6328053Abstract: A system for filing or discharging compressed gas or liquid cylinders mounted on the cylinder. An automatic system for filing or discharging a compressed gas cylinder, specifically chlorine, sulfur dioxide, or ammonia cylinders. The system includes an electric motor that rotates the cylinder valve system toward open or closed position without interfering with or requiring additional adapters for the filing or discharge hardware. The motor, gears, and controls are assembled as one unit to eliminate the necessity for a separate control panel or interconnecting control wires. The system has the capabilities for integral leak detection with automatic shutdown, battery backup in the event of power failure, remote control by leak detector, remote control panic button, remote low weight transmitter, remote vacuum switch for automatic switch-over systems and other remote digital signals.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1999Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Inventor: Gary Slaydon
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Patent number: 6328054Abstract: A balanced fluid pressure regulator of the disclosed embodiment comprises a balancing bellows inside a sensing bellows to minimize the supply pressure effect for improved performance while reducing the size and weight of the regulator in comparison to a conventional regulator. A sensing duct communicates the enclosed space between the bellows with the fluid passage of the regulator downstream from a poppet valve. The cross-sectional area of the fluid passage is reduced in the vicinity of the sensing duct for decreasing the pressure in the enclosed space at high gas flow rates. The valve seat in the regulator is supported so it is free to move during assembly of the regulator to self-align the seat with the poppet valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation-Veriflo divisionInventors: Richard L. Martin, Louis A. Ollivier
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Patent number: 6263896Abstract: A pressure flow stop for temporarily blocking flow of water from a main water supply line to a residence or business, in order to facilitate replacement of a damaged, defective or deteriorated water shutoff valve, or “curbstop”, of the residence or business. In a preferred embodiment the pressure flow stop is characterized by an elongated, typically cylindrical stem housing which is removably attached to the damaged, defective or deteriorated shutoff valve after the shutoff valve is closed and the water meter is removed from the shutoff valve, respectively. An elongated, flexible stem, terminated by an inflatable balloon, is slidably disposed in the stem housing, and the shutoff valve is opened to facilitate extension of the balloon end of the stem from the housing through the shutoff valve and into the water source pipe leading from the main water line.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2000Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Inventor: Joe L. Williams
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Patent number: 6227223Abstract: The present invention provides an interchangeable modular valve-actuator combination whereby the valve stem on the valve and the actuators are configured to be interchangeably engageable. The components of the valve-actuator are sized accordingly so that when engaged, the valve-actuator combination fits within the confines of an emergency hood located under the dome of a transportable tanker.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Provacon, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Crochet, Edward A. Sentilles, III
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Patent number: 6227225Abstract: An apparatus for pulling a valve member from a pump. The apparatus comprises a puller stem containing external threads and a bushing having an inner surface, and wherein the puller stem is disposed through the bushing. Also included is a first halve nut containing first internal threads, and a second halve nut also containing internal threads. The first end of the bushing will abut both the first halve nut and the second halve nut. The apparatus further includes a sleeve having an outer portion and an inner portion, and wherein the inner portion has the threaded stem therethrough. The sleeve will engage the first halve nut and the second halve nut. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a first lip attached to the first halve nut and a second lip attached to the second halve nut. The sleeve contains a collar that is concentrically disposed about the sleeve, the collar having an overlapping leg that forms a chamber, and wherein the first and second lip are disposed within the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1999Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Inventor: Gregory A. Domingue
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Patent number: 6182678Abstract: Apparatus for safely installing and removing spring loaded failsafe valve actuators. The apparatus includes a frame that retains a compression spring in a loaded condition between a cover plate fastened to the top wall of the frame and a spring seat slidably contained inside the frame. The spring seat is attached to the valve stem for moving reciprocally therewith between a closed and an open position. The stem is connected to the extendable rod of a remotely controlled actuator that is mounted in the cover plate and arranged to move the stem between the closed and open positions. In the event the actuator fails while the valve is in an open position, the compressed failsafe spring is released to rapidly close the valve.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Young & Franklin, Inc.Inventors: Weijian Ma, Gabriel Silva