Float Valve Patents (Class 137/15.26)
  • Patent number: 9447568
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a lockable toilet fill valve and methods according to the present invention. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve includes a float/arm assembly. The toilet fill valve is closed when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a first position. The toilet fill valve being open when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a second position. A valve lock is associated with the float/arm assembly. The valve lock includes an unlock position and a lock position, wherein the valve lock fixes the float/arm assembly in the first position when the valve lock is in the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry L. Schneider
  • Patent number: 8978684
    Abstract: Apparatus for stopping fluid flow when liquid is present in the fluid flow. The apparatus generally includes two parts, an internal structure with a float valve, and an external tank. The internal structure includes a plurality of fluid entry holes positioned, sized, and numbered relative to a drain hole. The design is generally thread less, and the preferred process used for making the apparatus includes welding and promotes the conservation of materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventor: Mike McKenzie
  • Publication number: 20140373934
    Abstract: An attachment for a float valve may permit a larger flow of water than conventional float valves. A second outlet of the attachment may be dimensioned such that a greater amount of water is able to exit it than through an outlet of the float valve. This helps replenish the trough at a greater flow rate than what is possible through the use of the float valve alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Jobe Holdings Limited
    Inventors: David Alfred Jobe, Robin James Jobe
  • Publication number: 20140014193
    Abstract: A float valve assembly is provided which can be remotely retrofit to a pipe end located in a production tank. The valve assembly comprises a guide rod disposed axially in the valve assembly. A floating valve element of the valve assembly is coupled to the guide rod and is moveable with or axially along the guide rod. The valve assembly is remotely mounted on the pipe end by temporarily associating an installation tool with the guide rod to locate a fitting adapter of the valve assembly over the pipe end for sealably fitting the valve assembly to the pipe end. The guide rod can also be manually manipulated for moving the valve element away from the pipe end and locking the valve element in the open position for permitting flow of liquid through the pipe end. A method for manually locking the valve element in the open position is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: John LIPINSKI
  • Patent number: 8596289
    Abstract: A fuel system for an aircraft has a vent system. The system has a conduit opening into the fuel section. The system has a member connected to the conduit at a proximal end. The member has a seal plate within the conduit sealing the opening into the fuel section when a buoyant section at a distal end rises along with the seal plate through the member with a rise in fluid level within the fuel section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: David Scott Krug
  • Patent number: 8166995
    Abstract: Valve for the venting circuit of a liquid tank, the valve comprising a chamber which includes openings that allow liquid to penetrate into the chamber above a certain level in the tank and/or in the event of waves in the tank or the tank being turned upside down, a cover for the chamber including an aperture that is susceptible to open into the venting circuit of the tank, and a float comprising a body and a needle that close off the aperture, the float being able to slide vertically inside the chamber depending on the level of liquid therein, the needle of the float being frustoconical-shaped and based on an elastomeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (S.A.)
    Inventors: Michel Arnalsteen, Vincent Cuvelier, Thierry Rouxel
  • Patent number: 7958905
    Abstract: A breather device A1 for pressure relief includes a breather pipe 121 serving as a fixing part, and an inner pipe 122 serving as a communication part and is provided by the breather pipe 121 with fixation strength enough for securing the breather device A1 to a liquid tank 101. The inner pipe 122 has a vent hole P formed therein for provide fluid-communication between the inside of the liquid tank 101 and the outside thereof in a manner such that an inner surface forming the vent hole P is made of a resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan Diesel Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Osaku, Kiyoshi Fukuda
  • Patent number: 7896022
    Abstract: An on-board refueling vapor recovery system includes a shutoff mechanism that closes a first vapor path between the fuel tank and the filler cup when liquid fuel in the tank reaches a predetermined level and a vent line closure that closes a second vapor path between the canister and the filler cup, wherein closure of the first vapor path and the second vapor path reduces pressure in the filler cup to induce shutoff of a fuel nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert P. Benjey
  • Patent number: 7806133
    Abstract: A controller and method of using same are disclosed. Preferably, the controller includes a pilot cartridge housing supporting an invertible pilot cartridge assembly (“cartridge”). The cartridge preferably includes a cartridge body supporting a number of pneumatic seals adjacent the housing, wherein at least two of the seals are diaphragms. The cartridge preferably provides a first pilot activation feature and an opposing second pilot activation feature. The operating mode of the cartridge is determined by a selected orientation of the first pilot activation feature relative to the housing; and preferably the method of operating the controller includes the steps of: selecting an orientation of the first pilot activation feature relative to the housing; setting a span control mechanism to a neutral position relative to the housing; adjusting a float communicating with the cartridge to a neutral position; and adjusting said span control mechanism to determine a response type of said cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Amy C. Stephens
  • Patent number: 7802587
    Abstract: A valve and method allows efficient closure for a pipe containing liquid. The valve in the preferred form is operated by a float in a sump pit should the sump pump fail to operate. The float is lifted by rising water and an arm attached to the float is supported on rollers when the valve is normally open turns to disengage from the rollers to close the valve. A shaft positioned in the conduit is attached to a cap which reacts to the expansion of a spring to thus close the end of the conduit and prevent further liquid flow therethrough. An audible alarm system sounds as the rising liquid level reaches a water sensor on the valve to warn a homeowner or building occupant. The alarm also sounds when a manual test switch is closed or if the smoke sensor is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Inventor: Ralph A. Ball
  • Publication number: 20100175760
    Abstract: A float valve is mounted within the ullage of a liquid storage tank and is fitted to a lower end of a vapour vent line. The float valve includes a generally tubular vent body having an opening arrangement which allows vapour to escape from the tank into the vent line, and a float assembly which undergoes damped upward movement in response to the liquid level within the tank exceeding a threshold level. The float assembly comprises a sleeve and a float arrangement separated from each other by an adjustable distance. In this way, the volume of liquid required in the tank to make the float assembly move upward can be changed. The float valve may include a relief valve or a plug with a bleed orifice to permit vapour flow from the tank to the vapour vent line in the event that the pressure within the tank exceeds a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventor: Graham Mansfield Stuart
  • Patent number: 7647938
    Abstract: A fill valve assembly for controlling liquid flow into a reservoir includes a mounting adapter defining a liquid inlet passage for connection to a riser for supplying water to the valve and which renders the fill valve readily mountable and demountable for installation and maintenance. A valve body has liquid inlet and outlet openings and a pressure-responsive member is disposed within the valve body and defines a control chamber with which the liquid inlet passage communicates opposite a second side of the pressure responsive member also in communication with the liquid inlet for selectively opening and closing the inlet opening to liquid flow in response to liquid pressure in the control chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Jobe Holdings Limited
    Inventors: David Jobe, Robin Jobe
  • Publication number: 20090071543
    Abstract: A fuel valve comprising a primary valve and a pressure responsive auxiliary valve, both being axially accommodated and displaceable within a common housing formed with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet port, and a partition extending between the primary valve and the auxiliary valve. The partition comprising a flow passage extending between a primary port at a bottom face of the partition and an auxiliary port at a top face of the partition. The primary port is sealable by a sealing member of the primary valve and the auxiliary port sealable by a sealing member of the auxiliary valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: RAVA; A.C.S. LTD.
    Inventors: Omer Vulkan, Moshe Ehrman, Avigail Bar-Lev
  • Publication number: 20080236672
    Abstract: A fuel shut-off valve includes a casing, an ascendable and descendible float, and an upper valve element, which is actuated by the float to open and close connector passage that communicates the inside of fuel tank with the outside, and which includes a valve body and a ring-shaped seat member. The ring-shaped seat member makes a connector bore, which communicates with the connector passage, therein, and includes a base, a holding portion, a seating portion, a lip-shaped portion, and a thin-film-shaped portion. The seating portion opens and closes the connector passage, and defines an opening of the connector bore. The lip-shaped portion seats on and separates away from the float, and defines the other opening of the connector bore. The thin-film-shaped portion is disposed between the base and the lip-shaped portion, and is deformable elastically upon being pressed by the float when the float seats on the lip-shaped portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shoji HORIBA, Hiroshi NISHI, Naoki MORI
  • Patent number: 7243675
    Abstract: A drop tube segment is adapted for use with a liquid reservoir. The drop tube segment includes a conduit with an end portion and a sidewall including a sidewall portion at least partially defining an interior housing area. The drop tube segment further includes a valve assembly comprising a valve member attached to the end portion of the conduit, a float, and a linkage device pivotally connected to the valve member. The valve assembly further includes a driver member at least partially disposed in the interior housing area. An adjustment of the float may rotate the driver member to engage the linkage device to facilitate in adjusting the position of the valve member with respect to the end portion of the conduit. The valve assembly further includes a structure adapted to inhibit, such as prevent, fluid from leaking into the interior housing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristopher A. Kane, James E. Kesterman
  • Patent number: 7163023
    Abstract: A float assembly for a multifunction fuel vapor vent valve with a float having a recess formed in the upper surface of the float with a slot formed in the side of the float and communicating with the recess. A raised surface portion is formed in the bottom of the recess and downwardly extending projections are formed in the slot at the recess. A flexible wafer like valve disk is inserted in the slot and deformed or curled to pass under the projections and over the raised surface and into the recess. When fully received in the recess the disk returns to its flat configuration; and, the downward projections prevent removal without distortion. Radially inwardly projections about the recess retain the disk for limited lost motion in the direction of float movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Spink, Steven H. Verzyl
  • Patent number: 6886588
    Abstract: A buoyancy flushing apparatus is disclosed which comprises a reservoir for accumulating liquid, having an inlet for receiving liquid and an outlet chamber recessed in a bottom wall of the reservoir. The outlet chamber includes an outlet for draining liquid out of the reservoir. The apparatus further comprises an outlet valve movable between a down position where liquid accumulates in the reservoir and a raised position where liquid accumulated in the reservoir is flushed out via the outlet. The outlet valve comprises a ballast unit sized and shaped to fit loosely in the outlet chamber when said valve is in the down position; and a float unit topping the ballast unit to move the valve in the raised position by buoyancy when a sufficient amount of liquid is accumulated in the reservoir, thereby providing a passageway for liquid between the bottom wall of the reservoir and the valve leading to the outlet in the outlet chamber to flush liquid out of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventors: Marc-André Malenfant, Yves Bérubé, Nicolas Viel, Roger Lacasse, Jean-Pierre Dautais
  • Patent number: 6837256
    Abstract: A spring loaded valve member with a poppet on one end is disposed in a fuel tank with the inlet end connected to the filler tube. The valve member has a spool valve attached to the poppet. The poppet is opened by fuel discharging from a refueling nozzle and the valve member movement limited by a float operated latch such that fuel flows through the spool valve ports. Upon the float rising in the tank, the latch is released permitting the force of the flowing fuel to further move the valve member to close the spool valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert P. Benjey
  • Patent number: 6837264
    Abstract: Various toilet valves and methods are described that provide for locking of the toilet filled in a closed state. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve is provided having an actuating arm. The toilet fill valve is closed when the actuating arm is disposed in a first position and is open when the actuating arm is disposed in a second position. A valve lock is attached to the actuating arm. The valve lock includes an unlock position and a lock position. The valve lock fixes the actuating arm in the first position when the valve lock is in the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: MJSI, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuster
  • Patent number: 6823889
    Abstract: A toilet fill valve and methods are provided. In one embodiment, the toilet fill valve includes a water inlet and a first water outlet configured to supply water to a toilet tank. The toilet fill valve further includes a bowl fill valve having a bowl fill valve inlet and a bowl valve outlet, the bowl fill valve inlet being operatively coupled to the water inlet. The bowl fill valve is integrated with a body of the toilet fill valve. The bowl fill valve is configured to supply an adjustable flow of water out the bowl fill outlet for filling a toilet bowl during a flush cycle of a toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: MJSI, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Schuster
  • Patent number: 6810905
    Abstract: An overflow protection device includes a valve body having an inlet conduit passing vertically therethrough. The inlet conduit includes an outlet end below a valve chamber. A valve within the valve chamber is movable between and open and closed position. A float is pivotally mounted below the valve and the float cams, an actuator upwardly when the float experiences a less than full tank and cams the actuation downwardly to permit the valve to move downwardly when the float rises to a predetermined level as it floats on the liquid within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Raall Corp.
    Inventors: Virgil Allen Watson, Raymond Simon Hodyniak, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040040599
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for the manufacture of a float (30) comprising the following steps: providing a mould (10) having a first enclosure (12) opening into a second enclosure (14) of greater dimensions than the first enclosure (12), and an inlet (16) into the first enclosure (12), the first and second enclosures (12, 14) together defining the shape of the float (30); injecting a mixture comprising plastics material and blowing agent into the inlet (16), such that the mixture passes through the first enclosure (12) and then into the second enclosure (14); and causing or allowing the mixture to set, thereby forming the float (30). The float (30), the mould (10) and a fluid storage chamber (60) including the float (30) are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Simon Robert Payne
  • Patent number: 6695004
    Abstract: A magnetic automatic stop valve formed in a container of a medical fluid administration system has one magnetic element located in a float and another magnetic element located proximate a valve seat. As the fluid level in the container decreases, the magnetic field established between the float and the valve seat eventually overcomes the buoyancy of the float in the fluid and attracts the float into the valve seat at which position the flow of fluid from the container is stopped. The float is formed of two identical halves each of which has one half of an internal post. When joined together to make the float, the internal post is fully formed and extends from one end of the float to the other. One magnetic element is slid over the post during manufacture and is free to slide from one end of the float to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Alaris Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Raybuck
  • Patent number: 6640828
    Abstract: The flushing apparatus comprises a reservoir for storing liquid, the reservoir having an outlet end movable between a raised position where liquid accumulates in the reservoir, and a down position where liquid stored in the reservoir is flushed out; a counterweight for producing an effect of urging the outlet end of reservoir toward the raised position; a reservoir ballast for cancelling the effect of the counterweight when the liquid stored therein reaches a predetermined amount; a channel for channelling a liquid into an inlet of the ballast when the outlet end of the reservoir is in the raised position; and a means for preventing an overflow of the outlet end of the reservoir. There is also provided a method for flushing liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Dautais
  • Patent number: 6615863
    Abstract: A toilet fill valve (16) includes a fill tube (21) which is mounted through a hole (14) in a toilet tank wall (12), having isolating means for isolating the fill tube (21) from direct contact with the toilet tank wall (12), as well as isolating water-borne noise and vibration in the fill tube (21) from direct transmission to the wall (12) of the tank (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Tuan V. Le
  • Patent number: 6584996
    Abstract: A fuel tank has a recess formed on the inner surface of the upper wall. A vent valve has a mounting portion extending therefrom with a resiliently deflectable disc formed thereon and a guide disc spaced from the deflectable disc. Upon insertion into the recess the deflectable disc is deflected and the periphery thereof frictionally engages the inner surface of the tank wall recess. The guide member slidably fits into the recess to prevent lateral movement of the mounting portion and removal from the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Spink
  • Patent number: 6484741
    Abstract: A fuel vapor vent valve and method of making same for installation in an access opening of non-metallic fuel tanks. The valve body is formed of material not weldable to the tanks and an annular seal member formed of resilient material seals between the body upper portion exterior to the access opening and an overmold formed of material weldable to the tanks for retaining and sealing the valve thereon. In one embodiment the seal member is received in a groove and retained by a ring; and, in another embodiment the seal is formed by potting material cured in the groove prior to the overmolding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert P. Benjey, Gill E. Eisenstein
  • Patent number: 6382231
    Abstract: A fuel cutoff valve and a method for making the same having a simpler mounting operation and excellent sealing properties are disclosed. The fuel cutoff valve includes a cover, a casing made of a different resin than the cover wherein the casing includes a valve chest and a valve body accommodated in the valve chest. The casing is used as an insert member having a plurality of sealing ribs projecting substantially vertically towards the cover, and a stopper formation forming a substantially horizontal step at substantially right angles to the sealing ribs, and the cover is integrally formed therewith so as to enclose the sealing ribs and stopper formation of the casing. The fuel cutoff valve may also be constructed such that the cover is used as the insert member as opposed to the casing. The stopper formation can be a rib, a recess or a through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Sugizaki, Masanori Nojiri