Valve Or Valve Element Assembling, Disassembling, Or Replacing Patents (Class 137/15.18)
  • Patent number: 11608908
    Abstract: The present invention provides an extension member for coupling with a quick coupler key. The extension member includes: a first member; a second member; a handle; and a third member. Methods of using the extension member for coupling with a pipe and a quick coupler key, which is coupled to a quick coupler assembly are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventor: Edward Underhill
  • Patent number: 11353045
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic tank (10) for storing a hydraulic liquid, comprising a one-piece tank housing (12) which forms a plastic hollow body and is manufactured by a rotational moulding process, wherein the tank housing (12) comprises at least one connection opening (92, 94, 126) at which is arranged a connection element (100, 110, 132) that is releasably connectable to a hydraulic conduit. In order to enable the hydraulic tank to be more cost-effective to produce, the connection element (100, 110, 132) comprises a plastic body which is manufactured by an injection moulding process and is welded together with the tank housing (12). Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a hydraulic tank (10) is proposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: ARGO-HYTOS GROUP AG
    Inventors: Thomas Weiser, Daniel Trunner, Tanja Schleuter, Jorg Stech
  • Patent number: 11339688
    Abstract: A valve assembly that can be employed in a variable camshaft timing (VCT) phaser assembly. The valve assembly includes a metal sleeve and a check valve. The check valve, in an implementation, has an integral construction with the metal sleeve. The integral construction has multiple designs, one of which includes an overmolded construction of the check valve with the metal sleeve. The valve assembly can also include a valve housing which, in the implementation of the VCT phaser assembly, is a center bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: BORGWARNER, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew V. Degner, Brian T. Kenyon, Chad M. McCloy
  • Patent number: 11300220
    Abstract: A rotary-type valve device includes a driving unit, a shaft, a valve, and a housing. The valve includes an outer circumferential portion that defines an outer circumferential opening. The housing defines a valve housing space, an inlet opening, and an outlet opening. The valve includes a passage and a valve end surface that faces the housing and that defines an end surface opening. The housing includes a housing inner surface that faces the valve end surface. The valve is housed in the housing so that a gap is defined between the valve end surface and the housing inner surface. The housing inner surface includes a protrusion protruding in the axial direction from the housing inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryo Nomura
  • Patent number: 11280252
    Abstract: A control valve for use in a heat exchange circuit of an engine of an automobile includes a housing and a connection pipe. The housing includes a communication port structured for introduction or discharge of fluid. The connection pipe is fastened to the communication port of the housing with a fastening member. The housing is made of resin. Each of the connection pipe and the fastening member is made of material, such as metal, less in linear expansion coefficient than the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Hitachi Astemo, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 11174949
    Abstract: To provide a valve device capable of easily and precisely adjusting a flow rate of a flowing fluid, and an actuator used in the valve device. The problem is solved by an actuator including pistons housed in a housing, a supply port of compressed air provided to a casing constituting the housing, and an adjustment member that is provided to a position separated from the supply port and regulates an upper limit position of possible movement of the piston that comes into contact with the adjustment member. The piston comes into contact with the adjustment member and is positioned in the upper limit position when compressed air is supplied through the supply port. The adjustment member s provided so as to allow adjustment of the upper limit position from outside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Tomohiro Nakata, Tatsuhiko Sato, Takeru Miura
  • Patent number: 11047391
    Abstract: A motor vehicle vacuum pump includes a pumping chamber in which a pump rotor rotates to compress a gas, an outlet chamber into which the gas exits, a separation wall which includes a valve opening and a valve seat arranged on an outlet side of the separation wall around the valve opening. The separation wall separates the pumping chamber from the outlet chamber. An outlet valve is formed as a non-return valve in the separation wall. The outlet valve is formed by the valve opening in the separation wall and includes a valve body with a closing body. The outlet valve has the gas exit therethrough from the pumping chamber into the outlet chamber. A corresponding part of the closing body is supported on the valve seat when the closing body is in a closed position. The valve seat and/or the corresponding part of the closing body includes microgrooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: PIERBURG PUMP TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Enver Des, Moritz Johannes Job
  • Patent number: 10890265
    Abstract: A check valve includes a valve body having a flow bore which extends between the inlet and outlet ends of the body, a cavity which intersects the flow bore, and an opening which is connected to the cavity. A body cap is removably secured in the opening, and a seat cartridge is configured to fit through the opening and be slidably received in the cavity. The seat cartridge has an open first end which is aligned with the opening, a second end which is located opposite the first end, a chamber which extends between the first and second ends and defines an inner wall of the seat cartridge, a first bore which extends between the chamber and an inlet bore portion, a second bore which extends between the chamber and an outlet bore portion, and a valve seat which is formed on a portion of the inner wall that surrounds the first bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Fink
  • Patent number: 10695692
    Abstract: A device is provided in a supercritical fluid system, which uses a mobile phase output by a separation device, the mobile phase volumetrically expanding as it decompresses. The device includes a passive splitter and a shuttle valve. The passive splitter is configured to receive the mobile phase and to split the mobile phase into a primary flow stream and a split flow stream, where the primary flow stream is directed to a pressure maintenance device. The passive splitter is further configured to reduce pressure of the split flow stream, causing volumetric expansion of the split flow stream. The shuttle valve is configured to insert volumetric aliquots of the volumetrically expanded split flow stream into a dilution flow stream to provide a diluted split flow stream, and to direct the diluted split flow stream to a low pressure detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin E. Wikfors
  • Patent number: 10689160
    Abstract: A flexible laminate for a package is described that includes an integrated one-way valve that allows gas generated within the package (e.g., carbon dioxide outgas) to be released to the external environment, while at the same time preventing environmental elements from entering the package. The valve is defined by the layers that form the flexible laminate, as opposed to being a separate structure that is attached to the flexible laminate. In particular, first and second cut lines are defined in a valve area of the first and second film layers of the flexible laminate structure in an offset manner. Oil is pattern-applied to one or both film layers in the valve area, and an opposing surface of one or both of the film layers further includes a surface treatment that decreases the amount of surface energy between the film layers to allow the valve to open at the desired pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Rod Pettis, Bob Puechl
  • Patent number: 10390683
    Abstract: A dishwasher may include a basket; tubing at the bottom of the basket; at least one utensil holder rotatably connected to the tubing and rotatable between an operating positionl, in which an article can be held at the utensil holder, and a resting position, in which the utensil holder is stowed away when not in use; and a nozzle communicating with the tubing and located to direct a jet of washing liquid towards an article held at the utensil holder. The utensil holder may include a clamping portion adapted to engage an article to be cleaned, and the nozzle may be located in proximity of the clamping portion. The utensil holder may include a valve means which provides for fluid communication between the tubing and the nozzle in the operating position, and which may block the fluid communication between the tubing and the nozzle in the resting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Michael Edenius, Mats Lundberg, Fredrik Påhlman, Camilla Gibson, Virgil J. Francisco
  • Patent number: 10302210
    Abstract: A method of assembling a solenoid valve assembly is provided. The method includes supporting a shoulder of a valve housing against a flange of a metal ring. The method includes inserting at least one axially extending post of the metal ring through at least one slot of a mounting tab. The method includes deforming the at least one axially extending post of the metal ring to clamp the valve housing between the metal ring and the mounting tab, with the metal ring, the valve housing, and the mounting tab being captively secured with each other. The method includes positioning the mounting tab at least partially within an opening at an axial end of a solenoid housing. The method includes bending or otherwise deforming the outer wall at the axial end of the solenoid housing to retain the solenoid housing to the mounting tab, the metal ring, and the valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: David Becker, David Chandler
  • Patent number: 10265504
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are safety neural injection systems and related methods of use comprising a cannula, with or without a side port, and a stylet, defined by a first inside diameter, a first outside diameter, a first length, and an open distal end in fluid communication with the inside and outside of the hollow cannula wherein the medicament is administered with the stylet inserted at least partially within the cannula. In various embodiments, the safety neural injection system comprises a metal ball tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: Custom Medical Application
    Inventor: N. Sandor Racz
  • Patent number: 10227906
    Abstract: An injector which incorporates the use of an insert to compensate for the change in volume of diesel exhaust fluid as the diesel exhaust fluid freezes, reducing or eliminating the effects on the calibration of the injector. The calibration freeze protection insert is located adjacent a calibration sleeve in the injector, where the insert is welded to an inlet tube. Any axial forces applied to the calibration sleeve from the blocking force of the freezing diesel exhaust fluid are transmitted to the insert, and the position of the insert is maintained by the welds. The insert and the calibration sleeve are configured to only allow small amounts of diesel exhaust fluid to migrate around the injector components, which is able to be compensated for by the elastic modulus of the various injector components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Continental Powertrain USA, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Wayne McFarland
  • Patent number: 10214887
    Abstract: A diaphragm type flush valve for use with toilet devices such as urinals and water closets that includes a valve member, a diaphragm, a guide member extends downwardly from the diaphragm, and a disk positioned on top of the diaphragm. The disk is threadably attached to the guide member and functions to secure the diaphragm, the disk, and the guide member into the valve member. The disk includes a rigid body made of a composite material and a seal member made of an adhesive and a thin layer of rubber, with the seal member having a portion on an upper surface of the disk for sealing contact with a relief valve. The disk also includes a plurality of spaced protrusions and inwardly directed on its upper surface in order to add accuracy and stability to the diaphragm assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Funari, Larry M. Elting, Jerome S. Markijohn
  • Patent number: 10113653
    Abstract: A high pressure fluid system including enhanced safety, maintenance and servicing features. The system can include a cartridge assembly module, having a valve seat assembly and a seal cartridge assembly selectively joinable with one another and installable within the high pressure fluid system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: PSI Pressure Systems LLC
    Inventors: Jamie A. Forrest, Todd A. Shawver
  • Patent number: 10100939
    Abstract: A valve disposed at a flow path includes: a substrate having a first surface in which a hole having an opening section is formed; and a diaphragm member fixed to at least part of a wall surface of the hole and in which at least a central portion has a thin film shape, wherein a flow of a fluid in the flow path is controlled by deforming the diaphragm member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignees: THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO, NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takanori Ichiki, Masashi Kobayashi, Shotaro Terane, Kuno Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9982796
    Abstract: A valve body arrangement for a hydraulic or pneumatic valve comprises two elements between which a valve body is retained. The two elements are welded together in a first region, preferably by the laser transmission method, and clamp the valve body in a second region with a force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Rausch & Pausch GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Perner, Tino Zeidler, Herwig Greiner, Werner Schieweck
  • Patent number: 9903498
    Abstract: A solenoid valve has a coil spring that biases a spool valve toward a solenoid portion, and an adjuster screw that is positioned to interpose the coil spring between the adjuster screw and the spool valve and that is screwed in an internally threaded portion of a sleeve so that its axial position is adjusted. The sleeve is swaged with a swaging tool etc. from an outer peripheral surface located on the outer peripheral side of the internally threaded portion of the sleeve, whereby the swaged part of the internally threaded portion is plastically deformed to the opposite side from the coil spring. The adjuster screw is thus fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koichi Takanishi, Toshio Murakami, Kaori Fujita, Itsuki Ono
  • Patent number: 9664300
    Abstract: A pilot-operated proportional cartridge valve that has low internal leakage and long life, without requiring close ID/OD spool clearances that add cost to comparable prior art valves. The flow control valve is uniquely characterized by the use of two axially spaced-apart spring energized wiper seals that floatingly support a flow control piston within a cylindrical chamber to allow transaxial shifting movement of the piston for proper alignment with mating components, such as a valve seat. The spring energized wiper seals are preferably oriented in opposite directions for sealing against pressure differentials at opposite ends of the valve piston. In a preferred embodiment, the seals are spring energized cup seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Robert William Zeiner
  • Patent number: 9631736
    Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a housing, a bobbin and an armature. The bobbin is received at least partially within the housing and has a body about which a coil is provided. A fluid flow path including an inlet and an outlet and a valve seat is defined by at least one of the housing or the bobbin, and the armature is moveable relative to the valve seat to control flow through the fluid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Walbro LLC
    Inventors: Dale P. Kus, David L. Thomas
  • Patent number: 9587607
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an injector having an extrusion coating, including the following steps: providing an injection module, pushing a disk-shaped alignment element onto a part of the injection module, the alignment element having a slot in order to have sufficient flexibility, welding the alignment element onto the part of the injection module, at least part of the slot also being welded shut at the same time during the welding-on step in order to stiffen the alignment element, and molding the extrusion coating onto the injection module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Scheffel, Axel Bormann, Sebastian Wieschollek
  • Patent number: 9214687
    Abstract: A electrochemical cell system includes a fluid manifold having a layered structure. The fluid manifold includes at least one conduit layer having a first side and a second side. The at least one conduit layer has at least one conduit channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Intelligent Energy Limited
    Inventors: Jeremy Schrooten, Paul Sobejko, Joerg Zimmermann, Isabelle Depatie
  • Patent number: 9027584
    Abstract: A flush valve assembly having a handle assembly positioning bushing for spacing a handle assembly within an opening of the flush valve assembly. The handle assembly positioning bushing having an eccentric opening for receiving the handle such that rotation of the handle assembly positioning bushing with regard to the flush valve assembly body alters the height of the handle assembly and, thus, the volume of water passing through the flush valve assembly during a flush cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: John R. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20150122230
    Abstract: A fuel selector for use with a dual fuel generator includes a selector plate, a first fuel valve assembly positioned adjacent the selector plate and actuatable between an ON position and an OFF position to selectively control a first fuel flow to an engine of the dual fuel generator, and a second fuel valve assembly positioned adjacent the selector plate and actuatable between an ON position and an OFF position to selectively control a second fuel flow to the engine of the dual fuel generator. A selector switch coupled to the selector plate is linearly translatable from a first position to a second position, so as to enable positioning of only one of the first fuel valve assembly and the second fuel valve assembly in the ON position at a given time, such that the first and second fuel valve assemblies cannot be in the ON position concurrently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Champion Engine Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Mark J. Sarder, Leigh Jenison, Ian Schmit
  • Publication number: 20150122343
    Abstract: A fill valve assembly for a toilet tank is described. The fill valve assembly includes a two part design. The fill valve assembly includes a fill valve that connects or engages with a shank. A connection between the fill valve and the shank is located in an interior of the tank, which is easily accessed. The fill valve may be easily replaced by disconnecting the fill valve from the shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Dominic P. Ismert
  • Patent number: 9016530
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid through a valve. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises an elongate member, an actuation device, and a valve body. The actuation device is configured to move the elongate member, which may be associated with the actuation device, between an open position and a closed position. The valve body is configured for attachment to the actuation device such that the elongate member is positioned within the valve body. Fluid that flows into the valve body from a fluid source is allowed to flow out of the valve body when the elongate member is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard Philip Topf, Martin Hanna Guirguis
  • Publication number: 20150091273
    Abstract: A valve unit (1) with a single-piece valve body (4) includes a cylindrical collar (5), a valve seat (7), a main duct (9) and an auxiliary duct (10). The cylindrical collar (5) projects from a reference plane (12) obtained in the valve body (4) and is configured so that it can be arranged against a rim (2) when the cylindrical collar (5) is inserted in a hole (6). The cylindrical collar (5) has an end (5a) configured so that it can be deformed and can define a flared portion (13) of the main duct (9) which interferes with the rim (2) at the level of the hole (6) thus providing a mechanism (11) for fixing the valve unit (1) to the rim (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Alberto Deanesi, Gabriele Tezza
  • Publication number: 20150068612
    Abstract: A valve includes a housing with a flow passage and a hole extending into the housing; a post with a base and a hole extending into the base, the post connected to the housing; and a dowel pin which sits in the hole of the housing and extends into the hole in the post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Barone, Bartosz Solarz
  • Publication number: 20150059865
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to modular solenoid valve kits and associated methods, generally involving a valve body that includes a plurality of actuator section components and a plurality of head section components. The plurality of actuator section components includes a drive solenoid, a solenoid return spring, a stroke calibration collar and an actuator-to-head calibration collar. The plurality of head section components includes a needle, a stem return spring, a seal and a seat. The plurality of actuator section components and head section components are adapted to be interchanged to create a pull-through normally open valve, a pull-through normally closed valve, a push-in normally open valve and a push-in normally closed valve. That is, the kits and methods allow for modification of one valve type (e.g., a pull-through normally open valve, a pull-through normally closed valve, a push-in normally open valve and a push-in normally closed valve) into a different type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Joshua A. Shreve, Steven D. Trudeau, Paul Keenan
  • Publication number: 20150059948
    Abstract: A wheel rim is equipped with an inflation valve (10) that is capable of elastic deformation adapted to be positioned in an opening (30) in the wheel rim (31) of a wheel of a motor vehicle. The valve (10) exhibits a valve body (12) made from an elastically deformable material surrounding a valve core (11) adapted to form an air passageway (15). The valve body (12) is provided with a sealing groove (21) adapted to receive the wheel rim, and with an intermediate part (22) having a diameter greater than the opening in the wheel rim. The inflation valve (10) is provided in addition with an element for the distribution (40) of shear forces pre-installed on the valve body (12). A method of installation of the inflation valve is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicants: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH, CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE
    Inventors: Gwenn LELIEVRE, Frederic GAUGAIN, Pascal PETITJEAN
  • Patent number: 8960209
    Abstract: A dishwasher includes a wash tub enclosing an interior and a clean water feed line which passes through a port of the wash tub into the interior. The feed line has a line end leading from outside to the wash tub. An inlet bolt can be fastened from the interior to the line end and has an axial bore to extend the feed line. The axial bore leads into a plurality of inlet openings which are distributed over a circumference on a circumferential surface of the inlet bolt projecting into the interior. The inlet bolt has an end which faces the interior and is implemented as a cover to protect the axial bore from ingress of splash water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Büsing, Christian Mesarosch, Werner Oblinger
  • Patent number: 8955532
    Abstract: A valve (100) is provided. The valve (100) includes a base portion (10). The base portion (10) includes one or more solenoid coils (101A, 101B) and one or more cartridge receivers (104, 104?) coupled to the one or more solenoid coils (101A, 101B). The valve (100) also includes one or more removable cartridges (103). A removable cartridge (103) of the one or more removable cartridges includes a magnetic core (210) and a movable armature (211). A removable cartridge (103) of the one or more removable cartridges is adapted to removably engage the one or more cartridge receivers (104, 104?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Fluid Automation Systems S.A
    Inventors: Raphael Alvarez, Frank Oelgarth
  • Patent number: 8944408
    Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, a plug head assembly is provided comprising a ceramic plug head having a frustroconical geometry, wherein the ceramic plug head has a proximal terminus and a distal terminus, wherein the ceramic plug head has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), a sleeve having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the ceramic plug head and a second CTE, wherein the second CTE is greater than the first CTE, a distal retainer having a frustroconical geometry conforming to the sleeve, the distal retainer having a first engagement portion for engaging the a proximal retainer, the proximal retainer having a second engagement portion for engaging the distal retainer, and a base that couples with the proximal retainer. In addition, thick banded plug heads are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Caldera Engineering, LC
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, M. Robert Mock, Frank Redd
  • Patent number: 8944085
    Abstract: Valves include a valve body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface and the outer surface defining an inlet, an outlet, and a body cavity between the inlet and the outlet; a gate movably coupled to the valve body and moveable over a portion of the valve body at least partially between the inlet and the outlet, the gate including a cam stop; and a drive assembly, the drive assembly including a drive shaft and a sync cam, the sync cam of the drive assembly movably positioned on the drive shaft and slidably positioned relative to the cam stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen J. Smick
  • Patent number: 8939165
    Abstract: A microvalve, in particular for a micropump, is described, which includes a valve member which is adjustable between an open position and a closed position, in contact with a valve seat in its closed position. The valve seat is made of a polymer material. A micropump and a manufacturing method are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Reichenbach, Peter Rothacher
  • Patent number: 8931500
    Abstract: A centerset faucet includes an upper support receiving a waterway including first and second valve interfaces. A lower base is coupled to the upper support, wherein a reentrant edge of the lower base is formed over a bottom lip of the upper support to secure the base thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventor: Kurt Judson Thomas
  • Patent number: 8919368
    Abstract: A self-locking T-piece connects an attachment to a breathing gas line. The self-locking T-piece has a line section (2), a connection line (4) branching off therefrom, a movable valve body (10) with a valve disk (12), and a valve seat (14). The valve body (10) is prestressed by a spring (16) into a position to seal the connection line (4) against the line section (2), with the valve disk in the valve seat, and moves out of the sealing position when connecting the attachment to the connection line. The valve body (10) is elastically deformable such that it can be advanced through the connection line (4) and the valve seat (14), while undergoing elastic deformation, and returns to its original shape during the entry of valve disk (12) into the line section, in which it has a sufficient extension to be able to cover the valve seat for sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Dräger Medical GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Abraham, Gerd Wotha, David Michael Samways
  • Publication number: 20140360590
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve is disclosed with a first stage valve that is in series with a second stage valve, with an enclosed cavity between the first stage valve and the second stage valve. The first stage valve relieves pressure from an enclosure into the enclosed cavity between the stages, when the pressure is above a cracking pressure of the first stage valve. The second stage relieves pressure from the enclosed cavity when the pressure is above the cracking pressure of the second stage valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: PREVCO SUBSEA, LLC
    Inventors: John Bertoldi, Joseph Schimek, III, John Head
  • Publication number: 20140360589
    Abstract: A multiple pressure ratio valve assembly is provided that may be used in a plurality of systems requiring different operating pressures. In one embodiment, a valve assembly and a plurality of interchangeable valves is provided, the interchangeable valves being configured to be installed within the same valve bore diameter, and the valves having different surface areas such that a pressure ratio of the valve assembly may be varied depending on which of the plurality of valves is installed. In some embodiments, the valves may have one or more fluid bypass portions. Embodiments of the invention may also include one or more shims that may be used to further adjust the pressure ratio of the valve assembly. Methods of repairing a valve assembly are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Maura J. Stafford
  • Patent number: 8899256
    Abstract: A male and female set of hydraulic coupler cartridges mate such that one part of the coupler can be left in place, e.g. the female coupler, with the other portion of the coupler, e.g. the male coupler, being removably connected or disconnected. Valves within each cartridge comprise an actuator and springs within each cartridge urge the valves into a closed, sealing position. When the cartridges mate, spring and/or fluid pressure within the cartridges operates to either allow or disallow fluid flow. Once the cartridges are mated, their respective springs are partially compressed and movement of one of the valves operates to compress one spring and correspondingly decompress the other. The cartridges can therefore be mated and unmated, e.g. subsea, while fluid flow is prevented through them during the mating and unmating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Krohn, Øystein Bakke, Stian Thorkilsen
  • Patent number: 8899284
    Abstract: Described herein are several embodiments and implementations of a fluid receiver with a removable sleeve. According to one representative embodiment, an apparatus for receiving a fluid from a fluid source includes a base having an inlet and an outlet. The base defines an interior cavity through which fluid is flowable from the inlet to the outlet. The apparatus also includes a valve that is movable relative to the base between a closed and open position. In the closed position, the valve is in sealing engagement with the base to prevent fluid flow through the inlet. In the open position, the valve allows fluid flow through the inlet. The apparatus further includes a removable sleeve that is removably securable about a portion of the base. The valve remains in the closed position as the removable sleeve is removed from and secured about the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Flomax International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Hemingway
  • Publication number: 20140345703
    Abstract: A device for preventing leaks in a toilet that comprises a fill valve operatively connected to and disposed above a float. In certain embodiments an arm is rotably connected to the fill valve such that the arm comprises a pivot. A lever is, for example, pivotally connected to the pivot of the arm and biased towards the fill valve, wherein a flush actuator causes the lever to pivot away from the fill valve. The lever may comprise a first side and a second side joined at the pivot, wherein the first side weighs less than the second side, and wherein the distribution of weight between the first and second sides of the lever causes the lever to bias towards the fill valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: FLUIDMASTER, INC.
    Inventor: Joseph HAN
  • Publication number: 20140332091
    Abstract: A connector includes a housing having a flow path through which liquid passes, and a male connector connecting portion having a substantially circular tube hole communicating with the flow path; and a valve formed of an elastic material and adapted to block the male connector connecting portion of the housing. The valve includes a top surface exposed from the male connector connecting portion, a bottom surface opposite to the top surface, and a slit opened at least on the top surface or the bottom surface. The housing includes a stopping portion configured to be engaged with a tip end of a male connector to define an insertion length of the male connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ueda, Yasunobu Zushi, Kouhei Taoka
  • Publication number: 20140326760
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid through a valve. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises an elongate member, an actuation device, and a valve body. The actuation device is configured to move the elongate member, which may be associated with the actuation device, between an open position and a closed position. The valve body is configured for attachment to the actuation device such that the elongate member is positioned within the valve body. Fluid that flows into the valve body from a fluid source is allowed to flow out of the valve body when the elongate member is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: THE BOEING COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20140311585
    Abstract: A piston has a closure face closing off a cavity defined radially inwardly and downstream of an upstream end. The closure face is spaced from the upstream end by a first distance. The piston has a cavity extending in a downstream direction away from an opposed side of the closure face to a second end. A piston diameter is defined to an outer periphery of a cylindrical portion forming a seal face. A ratio of the piston diameter to the first distance is between 3.05 and 6.31. A valve sleeve has windows formed to allow flow of fluid from a sleeve internal bore through the windows and to a downstream port. A ratio of the inner diameter to the axial dimension of the windows is between 0.91 and 1.02. A ratio of the inner diameter to a circumferential dimension of the windows is between 1.55 and 1.85.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: Aaron Rickis
  • Publication number: 20140305405
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assembling a regulation valve (10) intended for controlling the flow of gas in a circuit of a motor vehicle equipped with a heat engine, said valve (10) comprising a magnetic structure (15), a rotation axis (21) and a toothed section (16). The main feature of an assembly method according to the invention is that it comprises the following steps:—mouthing of the toothed section (16) on the rotation axis (21),—rigid connection by welding the magnetic structure (15) to the toothed section (16) fixed to the rotation axis (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Emmanuel Felix, Jérôme Blanchard, Adrien Soto
  • Publication number: 20140306133
    Abstract: A manual valve operator with override clutch apparatus is disclosed for selectively actuating a valve. The apparatus includes an operator housing defining an enclosure. An input shaft is rotatably supported by the housing and a worm wheel has a first and a second side, the second side of the worm wheel defining a clutch drive. The worm wheel is disposed within the housing and intermeshes with the input shaft such that when the input shaft is driven, the input shaft drives the worm wheel and the clutch drive about a rotational axis. A sleeve has an outer surface which defines an annular groove. The sleeve has a driven end and an output end. The driven end of the sleeve cooperates with the clutch drive of the worm wheel for selective engagement of the clutch drive and the driven end of the sleeve. A clutch actuating handle is rotatably supported by the housing. The clutch actuating handle has a first and a second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventor: Domenico Liccardi
  • Patent number: 8850800
    Abstract: An exhaust treatment system for machine is disclosed that includes a burner body having an inlet for receiving a flow of exhaust, an outlet for the exhaust flow to exit, an opening and a receiving mount disposed around the opening. A fuel injector head is mounted over the opening in any one of a plurality of angular positions relative to the body. The burner body includes a plurality of mounting pads extending at least partially and circumferentially around the burner body for coupling a support bracket to the burner body in any one of a plurality of positions relative to the burner body. The support bracket may be used to couple the burner to a fixture device such as a cradle for supporting other exhaust treatment system components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Charles, Jack A. Merchant, David L. Demeny, Govind S. Madaiah, Naseer A. Niaz, Eric J. Blankenship, Thomas R. McClure
  • Patent number: 8846183
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen R. Quake