With Valve Or Closure In-flow Passage Patents (Class 137/151)
  • Patent number: 11725377
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for an intake-end siphon flow regulator that allows for continuous operation in container liquids with entrained gases. A float actuated valve opens and closes as needed so that the siphon draws in container liquid. The float valve mechanism uses magnets that provide for a continuous valve cycling. This cycling overcomes gas build up that typically causes the siphon to fail. By disallowing extended periods of relatively low flow and pressure, the siphon builds up less gas bubbles that obstruct siphon operation. When the liquid rises enough, the float's buoyancy overcomes the magnetic attraction and the valve completely opens. The highest flow possible occurs and washes gases downstream. As the container liquid draws down, the magnets draw closer and when their magnetic fields interact, the magnets are drawn together, completely closing the valve. As liquid again enters the container, the aforementioned cycle repeats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Inventor: Bradford A. Miley
  • Publication number: 20150136242
    Abstract: Disclosed is a quantitative liquid discharge device capable of discharging liquid in a container at a preset liquid level. The device comprises a liquid discharge pipe, an outer sleeve and a liquid level control rod. The liquid discharge pipe is provided with a full-discharge liquid discharge port and at least one internal defined-level liquid discharge port. Installed outside the liquid discharge pipe, the outer sleeve is provided with an external defined-level liquid discharge port. The wall of the liquid level control rod is slidably sleeved between the wall of the liquid discharge pipe and the wall of the outer sleeve. The liquid level control rod is provided with a liquid guide port passing through the wall thereof. Provided between the walls of the outer sleeve and the liquid level control rod a sliding positioning assembly allows the liquid guide port to achieve liquid discharge at a defined liquid level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: SHENZHEN XINGRISHENG INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Bangbing Yang
  • Publication number: 20150122337
    Abstract: A draining system is disclosed for use in sanitary installation products such as basins, bathtubs and the like. The system has a hidden overflow system to save space. In the draining system the plug for collecting water in the sanitary installation is positioned above a waste water outlet for the sewage coming from the basin, which outlet may be positioned in a wall. Directly above the plug is the hidden overflow system having an inner and an outer duct, wherein upon closing the plug the water in parallel to the basin rises in the inner duct and, to prevent overflow, upon reaching a predetermined height is directed to the outer duct which leads directly to the waste water outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: ECZACIBASI YAPI GEREÇLERI SANAYI VE TICARET ANONIM SIRKETI
    Inventors: Mustafa Manavoglu, Gürkan Saylisoy
  • Patent number: 9010352
    Abstract: Provided is a socket structure capable of preventing or inhibiting defective attachment/detachment thereof and defective movement and defective sealing of a valve mechanism due to a solid deposit caused by a fluid. A socket used by connecting the socket to a plug of a connector includes a socket body in which a channel is formed and which has a valve mechanism; and a sleeve which is disposed so as to be slidable in an axial direction thereof and rotatable along an outer circumferential surface of the socket body. The socket is configured to be screwed and secured by inserting and connecting an entrance of the channel that opens at a lower end of the socket body to a plug exit that opens at an upper end of the plug and then a sleeve thread portion is screwed into a socket female thread portion by rotating the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Takanohashi
  • Patent number: 8973325
    Abstract: A method for roof drainage for reducing urban waterlogging, the method including: arranging a drainage device on a roof, the drainage device including a drainage exit and a drainage pipe including a wall; increasing the height of the drainage exit to allow the drainage exit to be between 5 and 10 cm higher than the roof; arranging a water outlet hole having a drainage capacity on the wall of the drainage pipe at a position that has the same height as the roof or is lower than the roof; disposing a siphon including an inlet and an outlet on an upper part of the drainage pipe, allowing the inlet to face the roof, and allowing the outlet to extend into the drainage pipe; and disposing a ball cock mechanism on the wall of the drainage wall to control the water outlet hole to open or close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignees: Chongqing University, Shenzhen Yuezhong (Group) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hongxiang Chai, Songming Tan, Hong Wu, Weijie Wang, Ganlin Zhang, Wei Chen, Wei Kang, Zhengsong Wu, Sai Zhang
  • Patent number: 8851101
    Abstract: A siphon initiator that has a drive cylinder and an inner stopper. The stopper is held in a limited range of motion by a wire guard at one end and the formed end of the drive cylinder at the other end. The inner stopper seals the lower end of the drive cylinder during the siphoning. Both ends of the drive cylinder have hose fittings. In practice, after attaching the hoses, the user inserts one hose into the container holding the liquid. The other hose is inserted into the vessel to receive the liquid. The user then moves the drive cylinder back and forth a few times to initiate the flow of fluid. The motion alternatively seals the hose and opens it in rapid succession, causing the necessary vacuum within the draw hose to pull liquid from the container to begin the siphoning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Scheland
  • Patent number: 8820346
    Abstract: A self-actuating drainage device for placement on a structure to drain water accumulated on the structure includes a collection funnel having a bottom with a funnel hole extending therethrough, a siphon conduit contiguous with the funnel hole, the siphon conduit having a first end disposed on the structure and an opposite end disposed at a position lower than the first end. The device further includes a valve mechanism which includes a float maintained within the collection funnel. The valve mechanism opens when accumulated water raises the float so that the water collected in the collection funnel is released through the siphon conduit and starts a siphoning action from the first end to the opposite end when the valve mechanism closes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas L. Corbett
  • Patent number: 8534319
    Abstract: Methods and devices using a co-radial arrangement of serial siphon structures composed of siphon valves each separated by a capillary valve to save radial space in a fluidic system. Such serial siphon valves allow to sequentially distribute liquids in a fluidic system upon application of successive centripetal accelerations and decelerations applied to a rotary platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignees: Universite Laval, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michel G. Bergeron, Regis Peytavi, Horacio Kido, Marc Madou
  • Publication number: 20130112284
    Abstract: A liquid storage container has a double structure provided with an outer container forming an outer shell and a liner arranged in the outer container, the liner accommodating a liquid, wherein the liquid is pushed out from the liner by gas pressure introduced into the outer container so as to flow out to an exterior of the container from a siphon of a plug attached to a stopper portion of the outer container, a substantially concentric drop tube is arranged on an outer periphery of the siphon so as to form a space portion serving as a liquid flow passage, a through hole is formed on a tube wall of the drop tube, and an outlet opening for making the inflow liquid coming from the through hole flow out from the liquid flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: SURPASS INDUSTRY CO., LTD.,
    Inventor: SURPASS INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130014831
    Abstract: A suction pump coupler for replacement of the immersible one-way valve with the pump coupler securable to the inlet end of a suction pump for forming a leakproof connection to an intake pipe to enable use of the suction pump in a location wherein the suction pump is remote from the fluid being pumped with the pump coupler operable for securing an inlet pipe to the suction pump in a leakproof condition through rotational engagement of pump coupler with respect to the inlet pipe even with the presence of the suction pump cantileverly mounted thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Steven Rhea, L. Herbert King, JR., James Keeven
  • Patent number: 7610697
    Abstract: An automatic draining apparatus of condensation comprises a condensation tank; a float moving up/down along the level of the condensation; a hydraulic pressure chamber consisting of a volume changeable container for containing the condensation, and a check valve provided at an inlet of the hydraulic pressure chamber, the check valve allowing the condensation to flow only into the container, the rising float pulling up the hydraulic pressure chamber so that the volume of the container is reduced and the condensation of the container is pressurized; and a siphon having an inlet connected to the hydraulic pressure, and an outlet being provided at outside and a level of the outlet placing at a lower level of the inlet, the siphon draining the condensation into the outside when the siphon is filled with the condensation discharged from the compressed hydraulic pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Wan Young Lee
  • Patent number: 7503343
    Abstract: A check valve for connection in a fuel tank filler tube. The valve has a tubular body with a plurality of radially inwardly extending projections on the inner surface of the tubular body or mounting adaptor. A valve seat is disposed downstream of the ribs, and an aperture is formed in the side of the tubular body. When the end of a siphoning hose is inserted into the check valve, the projections deflect the hose through the aperture to facilitate further insertion of the hose into the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Pk Haridass Krishnamoorthy, Steven H. Verzyl, Robert P. Benjey
  • Patent number: 7458391
    Abstract: A fuel filler tube assembly including a one-way valve or check valve. The tube assembly is adaptable for pre-assembly on either a metal or plastic fuel tank and employs a common check valve with an adapter tube for plastic tanks. The valve employs a flapper with spaced ribs for deflecting a siphon hose away from the valve seal; and, the ribs are spaced to maintain the flow stream of he fuel during refueling and facilitating opening of the flapper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Pk Haridass Krishnamoorthy, Charles J. Martin, Maxim V. Zorine, Steven H. Verzyl, Robert P. Benjey
  • Patent number: 6959727
    Abstract: A check valve for connection in a fuel tank filler tube. The valve has a tubular body with a plurality of radially inwardly extending vanes or ribs in the inlet end about a portion of the circumference. The ribs are tapered in the flow direction to deflect the end of a siphoning hose to an offset opening. A valve seat and poppet with a tapered surface are disposed downstream of the ribs, clearance apertures are formed in the side of the tubular body downstream of the valve seat. The tapered surface of the poppet, upon being opened by insertion of the end of a siphoning hose deflects the hose outwardly through the clearance apertures to facilitate further insertion into the tank. The poppet is biased normally closed by a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Pk Haridass Krishnamoorthy, Steven A. Verzyl, Robert P. Benjey
  • Patent number: 6648016
    Abstract: A valve assembly for admitting a tube or fuel into a vehicle fuel tank is disclosed. The valve assembly has a fixed housing with an inlet, an outlet, a middle section and an inner surface with an opening. At least one projection depends from the inner surface between the inlet and the outlet. The projection deflects the tube toward and through the opening. A piston element, which is slidably mounted to the housing, is normally urged in a direction to close the outlet and the opening until the tube or fuel urges the piston element in an opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Alfmeier Corporation
    Inventors: Markus T. Farrenkopf, Wade V. Williams, Ralf Leonhardt, Scott C. Gaynor, David Eisenbacher, Robert Petroskie
  • Publication number: 20030136448
    Abstract: A valve assembly for admitting a tube or fuel into a vehicle fuel tank is disclosed. The valve assembly has a fixed housing with an inlet, an outlet, a middle section and an inner surface with an opening. At least one projection depends from the inner surface between the inlet and the outlet. The projection deflects the tube toward and through the opening. A piston element, which is slidably mounted to the housing, is normally urged in a direction to close the outlet and the opening until the tube or fuel urges the piston element in an opposite direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: Alfmeier Corporation
    Inventors: Markus T. Farrenkopf, Wade V. Williams, Ralf Leonhardt, Scott C. Gaynor, David Eisenbacher, Robert Petroskie
  • Patent number: 6419468
    Abstract: A container includes an integral outlet tube that functions as a cylinder. A siphon mechanism including an elongated tube with a flexible seal on the outside surface of the tube functions as a piston. Fluid trapped inside the cylinder by a check valve is forced up and over the side of the container by downward movement of the piston inside the cylinder initiating the siphoning of further fluid from inside the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: John M. Kemp
  • Patent number: 6412528
    Abstract: A manually operative siphoning pump apparatus for transferring liquid from one container to another container. The siphoning pump apparatus has a hollow cylindrical pump body through which liquid from one container to another can flow and a bellows attached thereto for establishing a vacuum within said pump body. The hollow pump body has a inlet pipe and an outlet an elongated flexible hose or tube connected to each of the pipes. The siphoning pump apparatus has an axially movable valve within the hollow pump body for initiating, controlling and shutting off the flow of liquid through the pump body during the siphoning process and, hence, from one container to another container. The axially movable valve has a cylindrical head at one end thereof and a connector at the opposite end thereof for fixing it to the bottom of the bellows. The axially movable valve is manually controlled by an elongated lever arm pivotally attached to a housing handle at one end and fixedly attached to the bottom of the bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventors: Peter Alex, Johnny Laureijs, Ronald R. Chisholm
  • Patent number: 6283137
    Abstract: An improved priming assembly which maybe used for siphoning, includes a siphon tube comprising an inlet end and a discharge end. The discharge end may be connected to a discharge hose that leads to a discharge area. A one-way valve is inserted within the tube adjacent to the inlet end of the tube. The valve comprises a flexible rubber sheath a portion of which is sealed to the inner surface of the tube and which extends toward the discharge end. The sheath is movable from an open position to a closed position. When fluid is caused to flow from the inlet end to the discharge end, the sheath moves to its open position allowing fluid flow. When fluid is caused to flow from the discharge end toward the inlet end, the sheath collapses to the closed position such that it prevents flow of fluid toward the inlet end. Priming of the siphon is created when the sheath collapses into its closed position, under the weight of the fluid as the rigid siphon tube is thrust upwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Steven Joseph Malecki
  • Patent number: 6142417
    Abstract: A self-deploying inlet for an air breathing missile including an inlet body having a natural shape which defines a deployed condition for the air inlet, wherein an air deflecting surface is provided thereby. The inlet body is made from a material having a flexibility which enables the inlet body to flex from the deployed condition to a stowed condition, and a resiliency which biases the inlet body toward the deployed condition when in the stowed condition. The air inlet further includes a sealing connector system for connecting the inlet body to the vehicle in a manner which enables the inlet body to move between the stowed condition and the deployed condition. The natural spring force provided by the resiliency of the inlet body, along with the aerodynamic forces to which the inlet is subjected during missile flight, are sufficient to cause the inlet to self-deploy to the deployed condition from the stowed condition without the need for a deployment actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Atlantic Research Corporation
    Inventor: Irving E. Figge, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6089505
    Abstract: A mission adaptive inlet (42) for an aircraft (40) has a rigid lip panel (56) pivotally attached to an inlet (42) of the aircraft (40). An actuation mechanism is coupled to the rigid lip panel (56) and causes the rigid lip panel (56) to pivot from a first position to a second position. A reinforced elastomer system (48) is connected the rigid lip panel and the inlet (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Cynthia Ann Gruensfelder, Robert Henry Wille
  • Patent number: 6056029
    Abstract: A fuel-transfer system is provided for a fuel system of a vehicle. The fuel-transfer system includes a filler neck and a fuel tank having top and bottom walls. The fuel-transfer system includes a tube and a fuel conductor. The fuel conductor includes a housing and a diverter valve positioned to lie in the housing. The diverter valve is configured to intercept and guide the tube through an outlet of the housing into a fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Devall, Brian J. Williamson, Steven E. Groll, Barry A. Beyer
  • Patent number: 6050527
    Abstract: A flow control device and method for eliminating flow-induced cavity resonance within a closed or nearly closed end flow passage (20) having an inlet opening (30) defined between an upstream inlet edge (32) and a downstream inlet edge (34). The passage accepts exterior fluid flow (38) therein via the opening (30). The flow control device includes a stationary inlet guide vane (44) having a leading edge (46), a trailing edge (48), and a number of support members (50) to connect the vane to the inlet. The vane (44) is positioned such that the vane leading edge intercepts the exterior fluid flow shear layer, and the vane trailing edge extends into the passage at the inlet. In a preferred embodiment, the inlet guide vane is located approximately midway between the upstream and downstream inlet edges. The inlet guide vane is cross-sectionally shaped as a cambered airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Leonard J. Hebert, Wendell R. Miller, Eric H. Nesbitt, Jerry Piro, Michael L. Sangwin
  • Patent number: 6012481
    Abstract: A constant level of fluid (8 or 106) in vessel (1 or 104) is maintained using a reservoir (5 or 102) and a tank (4 or 101). Float valves (9 or 107) which raise and lower with the level of fluid in the reservoir are used to selectively close off fluid passages (13 or 109) from the tank into the reservoir. Until the desired level of fluid is reached in the reservoir, the reservoir continuously provides fluid to the vessel. Once fluid flow into the reservoir is stopped, flow from the reservoir into the vessel also stops. The vessel can be positioned adjacent to or remote from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: John J. Lenart
  • Patent number: 5967169
    Abstract: The air intake for air-breathing engines for supersonic flight velocities, especially ram jet engines and ram rocket engines of missiles, with an essentially rectangular intake contour, has a closing flap covering the said intake contour and an actuating mechanism. The closing flap has a one-piece design and is adapted to the intake contour such that it completely covers the air intake in its closed position, so that all peripheral scarved front edges are covered and thereby protected against erosion as well as against the penetration of foreign bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Herbert Engel, Hubert Broll, Hermann-L. Weinreich
  • Patent number: 5915403
    Abstract: In a scarfed nacelle inlet for channeling airflow to an engine having a longitudinal center line axis (ENGINE C/L), the duct including a crown (26) and a keel (28), an improvement including an inlet with a biplanar forward hilite. When viewed in side elevation, the biplanar hilite includes a first portion (40) including the keel, a second portion (42) including the crown, and a transition region (44) between the first and second portions. The first and second portions (40), (42) are linear and the transition region (44) is a single arc. An imaginary intersection line (IP) between the first and second portions is located vertically about midway between the crown and the keel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James M. McConachie, Margaret M. Curtin, Robert P. Dougherty, Michael L. Sangwin
  • Patent number: 5913808
    Abstract: An inlet gas mixing element for a gas turbine engine, comprising a gas intake duct 10, and downstream of the inlet duct a mixing element 22, the mixing element being so disposed in relation to the inside of the duct so as to rotate thereby urging the forced mixing of the air and other gases moving past the element 22 towards the face of the fan blades of the downstream engine compressor stage 16. The action of the mixing element serves to increase the mixing of new air and other possibly hotter gasses so as to reduce the temperature differential across the face of the engine compressor stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: British Aerospace Public Limited Company
    Inventor: George R. Seyfang
  • Patent number: 5881753
    Abstract: A fluid level controller which replaces fluid lost from a container thus maintaining the fluid level in the container. It is comprised of the following major pieces: an airtight reservoir (10) with cap (14), fill stem (12), feed lube (16), and tube attachment fittings (18a and 18b); several lengths of fluid conduit, (22a,b) and a u-bend (26) which form a siphon such that one end reaches into the bottom of reservoir (10) and the other reaches into the container below the desired fluid level; a length of conduit, (22c) which forms an air return line allowing air into reservoir (10); a stand (8) atop which sits the reservoir; a tubing clip (24); and a shut-off valve (20). The u-bend (26) allows the controller to preserve the initial prime of the system so that it only needs to be primed once. The shut-off valve (20) allows easy refilling of the controller once the fluid reservoir empties. These two features make the controller extremely easy to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Alan P. Bowling
  • Patent number: 5787703
    Abstract: A combined ramjet and rocket engine, operates as a ramjet in atmosphere, and a rocket engine in space is provided with a rectilinear duct. The engine has interior of the rectilinear duct paired and hinged rectilinear baffles which move from one of the duct walls. These hinged rectilinear baffles move into and out of the planar duct wall and define both the constriction of the Venturi for the ramjet engine configuration or the closure of the duct for the rocket engine configuration. The hinged rectilinear baffles are given leading and trailing wall surfaces so that during movement within the duct for the ramjet configuration, alteration of the slope of the collector and diffuser of the Venturi can occur. The hinged rectilinear baffle bordering the diffuser is manifolded to supply fuel when the engine is ramjet configured and fuel and oxidant when the engine is rocket engine configured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: Russell Fougerousse
  • Patent number: 5784877
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a composite material closure as a port cover for a rocket-ramjet engine and a method of transitioning between rocket booster operation and ramjet operation. The composite material closure is made to be coextensive with an insulating lining of the casing of the rocket-ramjet engine. Pyrotechnic charge devices are associated with the composite material closure and ignited to cut there-through and form an opening in the closure for air flow during ramjet operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Atlantic Research Corporation
    Inventor: Patrick W. Hewitt
  • Patent number: 5779189
    Abstract: A diverterless engine inlet system that integrates a "bump" surface with a forward swept, aft-closing cowl to divert substantially all of the boundary layer air from the inlet. The bump includes an isentropic compression surface raised outwardly from the body of the aircraft to form a portion of the inner surface of the inlet. The cowl couples to the body of the aircraft to form the remaining surfaces of the inlet and closes against the body of the aircraft at the aft-most points of the inlet opening. The bump and the cowl work together to divert low energy boundary layer air from the inlet during aircraft operation, thus eliminating the requirement for a boundary layer diverter. The diverterless inlet provides a lower cost, reduced complexity air induction system that can be used on a supersonic aircraft engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey William Hamstra, Thomas Gerard Sylvester
  • Patent number: 5749542
    Abstract: A diverterless engine inlet system that integrates a transition shoulder into a system for diverting air from the inlet of an aircraft engine. ????? The bump includes an isentropic compression surface raised outwardly from the body of the aircraft to form a portion of the inner surface of the inlet. The transition surface works with the compression surface to divert low energy boundary layer air from the inlet during aircraft operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey William Hamstra, Brent Neal McCallum, Thomas Gerard Sylvester, Brett Willian Denner, Jeffrey Allen Moorehouse
  • Patent number: 5718847
    Abstract: Drain apparatus drains an evaporative cooler housing by siphon action. The siphoning action is started when a pump which pumps water for cooler pads is turned off, and the water in a conduit flows downwardly and a valve is switched, directing the downwardly flowing water into a chamber disposed over the overflow standpipe in the housing. The water level in the chamber is the water level in the housing, and the down flowing water fills the chamber, causing the water to flow down the pipe and lowering the atmospheric pressure in the chamber to begin siphoning action. At the same time, a check valve at the bottom of the chamber opens to allow water from the housing to flow into the chamber to drain the housing. Several embodiments are disclosed, including embodiments in which siphoning action may be commenced by raising and lowering a drain hose connected to the standpipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: Robert L. Koble, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5697394
    Abstract: A turbine engine inlet system includes a duct 14 to deliver air to the engine, inlet lips 16 and 52 to smooth the entry of air flowing into the duct, a screen 50 between the lips 52 and 16 for passage of inlet air, a forward inlet section 18 submerged within the aircraft skin contour to provide a degree of ram recovery to the duct, and a movable air deflector 20 which is positionable in a retracted position during normal flight, is extendable outward to a second position substantially flush with the screen 50 for maximum protection against foreign object damage (FOD), and is further extendable outward to a third position beyond the screen to provide an air bypass path when the screen is iced-over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Smith, Armand F. Amelio
  • Patent number: 5586735
    Abstract: The air intake includes two main flaps (1, 2) facing each other and each pivoting about a pin (4, 5) adjacent to a wall (6, 7) extending the flap in question (1, 2) rearwards, and in which a first boundary layer bleed (8a, 8b) is arranged, the pins (4, 5) being substantially parallel to the plane of the wings or of the fuselage so that the flaps (1, 2) move perpendicularly to this plane, and a ramp (11) pivoting about a pin (12) adjacent to its leading edge (11a) by which it is adjacent to the wings and to the fuselage and substantially parallel to the pins (4, 5) is upstream of the flap (1) which is closest to the wings and with which it delimits another boundary layer bleed (13) of variable cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Office National d'Etudies et de Recherches Aerospatiales
    Inventors: Francois Falempin, Olivier Fourt, Jean-Louis Pastre
  • Patent number: 5558762
    Abstract: A water filter including an inlet assembly which comprises a prefiltering foam tip. The inlet hose includes an adjustable float and a weight on the end of the hose which allows a given length at the end of the inlet hose to extend below the surface of the water being filtered. The water filter further includes a check valve assembly to relieve pressure buildup inside the pump. A unique lever-action handle, in combination with a rocking piston, allows efficient filtering with few moving parts. The filter components are easily replaceable. The main filter assembly is suspended resiliently at its periphery to provide shock-absorbing characteristics. The filter also includes an adaptor base which allows for a direct connect between the vessel into which water is filter. The water filter also provides a unique method of storing the inlet hose to render the water filter easy to carry and prevent foreign objects and debris from entering into the area of working parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: MSR
    Inventors: James F. Fife, Daniel J. Vorhis, Kenneth D. Laughlen, Nancy L. Dienes
  • Patent number: 5490644
    Abstract: Boundary layer control apparatus is provided (22). The boundary layer control apparatus (22) is for use with an aircraft propulsion nacelle (12) positioned such that the air inlet (14) of the propulsion nacelle is located proximate an aircraft surface (10), wherein a boundary layer is established on the surface when the aircraft is propelled through an atmosphere, causing air to flow over the surface. The boundary layer control apparatus (22) includes a duct having an entrance (24) positioned between the aircraft surface (10) and the inlet (14) of the propulsion nacelle (12) for capturing the boundary layer air passing over the aircraft surface and diverting the boundary layer air away from the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Joseph L. Koncsek, Steven L. McMahon
  • Patent number: 5483791
    Abstract: A turboprop engine has in flow series arrangement a crescent shaped inlet, an annular plenum, a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine. The plenum is defined by inner and outer annular walls. A support member referred to as a "boat tail" extends between the walls and is circumferentially positioned 180 degrees from the inlet. A strake extends downstream from the support member and is angled in a direction opposite the rotational direction of the compressor. Thus air entering the engine with either positive or negative swirl is forced to enter the impeller with negative swirl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Rangnath A. Kotwal, Jacob S. Obayomi, Henry J. Ruzicka, William F. Waterman
  • Patent number: 5433070
    Abstract: A flexible engine inlet duct mounting system for integrating an engine inlet duct in combination with an engine system to minimize or eliminate turbulence-inducing structural discontinuities therebetween wherein non-turbulent intake airflow is provided to the engine system. The mounting system includes a mechanical support assembly that constrains the relative motion between the aft ends of the inlet duct and the engine system, and a dual seal assembly that accommodates such relative motion while concomitantly maintaining seals between the inlet duct and the engine system. The duct support assembly includes an annular duct support member and an annular spherical adaptor member having interacting ends that have complementary arcuate configurations which constrain the relative motion of the aft ends of the inlet duct to in-plane displacements about a duct pivot point coincident with the engine system centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Armand F. Amelio
  • Patent number: 5397077
    Abstract: An inlet bleed system for a supersonic aircraft engine having a longitudinally downstream extending inlet bounded by a boundary wall that in part defines a supersonic flowpath through the inlet, a transversely extending boundary layer scoop extends into a boundary layer region of the flowpath and has an upstream facing bleed aperture, and a shock generating means for generating a shockwave in a supersonic flow in the flowpath such that the shockwave passes through the bleed aperture. One embodiment provides a scoop which extends a height above the wall such that it is operable to scoop off no more than a sufficient amount of a boundary layer flow that would exist in the boundary region and be momentum deficient relative to predetermined conditions that would exist downstream of the scoop under supersonic operating conditions. Another embodiment provides for the scoop to be disposed a throat section of the inlet wherein the aperture located is just upstream of the normal shock location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Paul H. Kutschenreuter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5347807
    Abstract: A jet engine includes a gas turbine, peripheral ramjet channels located oide the gas turbine and including burners wherein a gas circulation stream in the engine is subdivided over part of its length into a central turbojet stream which flows through the gas turbine, the peripheral ramjet channels and peripheral discharge channels terminating by flowing into a part of the gas circulation stream downstream of the turbine. A plurality of flaps are provided for opening and closing the central stream. A ring surrounds the central stream and extends in front of part of the peripheral discharge channels and ramjet channels. A motor is also provided for rotating the ring wherein the ring has a plurality of slots formed therein, the channels being arranged such that the slots successfully pass, during rotation of the ring in a continuous direction, in front of the discharge channels only, then in front of none of the channels and then in front of the ramjet channels only.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Societe Nationale D'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviaton "SNECMA"
    Inventors: Pascal N. Brossier, Georges Mazeaud, Pascal C. Wurniesky
  • Patent number: 5343888
    Abstract: A level activated syphon system which automatically begins drainage of a liquid such as water from an accumulation area such a swimming pool cover or flat roof when the accumulation of water reaches a preset level is disclosed. The system requires no outside source of energy and consists of a valve assembly at the accumulation area, a hose or pipe which serves as a conduit to the lower drainage area and a water seal at the lower drainage area. The valve is opened and closed by a float which rises and falls with the liquid level at the accumulation area and stops the liquid flow after the accumulation is lowered but does not allow air to enter the conduit. The liquid remains in the conduit to start the syphon cycle again when more liquid accumulates. The water seal prevents the liquid from draining from the conduit when the syphon action is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventor: Ceil Stelzer
  • Patent number: 5301901
    Abstract: An aircraft engine two-dimensional inlet system of the present invention provides a telescoping two-dimensional centerbody that is referred to as a wedge. The telescoping wedge may be of a fixed wedge angle design or a variable wedge angle design. The present invention contemplates single and multi-wedge angle designs of the fixed or variable intermediate wedge angle types having more than one ramp angle. The telescoping wedge has at least one upper and lower pair of longitudinally adjacent wedge forward and aft walls that overlap to form an aft facing step and are in controlled sliding engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Paul H. Kutschenreuter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5293894
    Abstract: An automatic prime and flush siphon condensate pump system (100) is provided for displacing condensate water accumulated from an air conditioning evaporator to a drain, such as the drain of a basin (50). Initially, the pump assembly (2) displaces the condensate from the reservoir (1) responsive to the closure of a switch (34) when the condensate level exceeds a predetermined height within reservoir (1). The pump outlet (128) is coupled to the inlet of a pilot operated check valve assembly (3) which is opened responsive to the pressure in the valve chamber (28) exceeding the bias force of the compression spring (33) and a fluid pressure in a reference chamber (29). The pumped condensate exits the pilot operated check valve assembly (3) and is fluidly coupled to the ball-type check valve housing (126) for delivery of the condensate to the passage (18) for fluid coupling with the drain conduit (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Inventor: Lewis W. Fleischmann
  • Patent number: 5226455
    Abstract: A variable-geometry duct having at least one moveable side wall, and a bellows interposed between the side wall and a back-up structure. The bellows creates a sealed cavity between the moveable side wall of the duct and the back-up structure. Pressurized fluid in the cavity is controlled so as to maintain a desired pressure differential between it and the pressure of the fluid carried by the conduit for all positions of the moveable side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Inventor: Anthony A. duPont
  • Patent number: 5214914
    Abstract: The invention is an inlet system for a variable geometry transatmospheric air breathing engine. It incorporates a rotatably translatable cowl provided with a rotating lip used in combination with insertable and propellant injection struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Frederick S. Billig, David M. VanWie
  • Patent number: 5174524
    Abstract: An inlet ramp for an aircraft engine is constructed as a movable panel which is internally cooled by fluid coolant. At a selected time, the coolant flow is terminated allowing the panel to overheat and melt away so as to expose an underlayer of ablative material. The ablative material then begins to melt away thereby cooling the underlying surface of the aircraft via ablation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: John S. Amneus, III
  • Patent number: 5167249
    Abstract: Variable chin-inlet for a missile wherein radially movable compression ramps vary the throat area so as to compress flow in the plane of the upstream boundary layer growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur J. Karanian
  • Patent number: 5165228
    Abstract: Turboramjet engine having a variable air intake, a ram air duct annularly enveloping the basic turbojet engine, and shutoff devices with which the ram air duct is energized with air when the basic turbojet engine is shut off and with which the basic turbojet engine is energized with air when the ram air duct is shut off. An air tract communicates with the air intake on a tubular duct carried axially on the basic turbojet engine and expands to an annular inlet section to the ram air duct. The shutoff devices are associated at least on the inlet side with quadrilateral sections of the tubular duct. As shutoff means for the inlet flow, use is made of an axially adjustable and internally swept sleeve valve and at least one flap that can be pivoted against a partial inlet area of the inlet section, which flap seals off the sleeve valve in lid-fashion when the inlet section is in a jointly exposed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: MTU Motoren-und Turbinen-Union Munchen GmbH
    Inventor: Heinrich Enderle
  • Patent number: 5150571
    Abstract: A stationary centerbody includes vaulted areas displaced substantially by 180.degree. axially as well as along the circumference with respect to one another on its largest relative diameter. The vaulted areas, while enclosing a shut-off surface which is diagonal on the circumference side with respect to the end of an engine shroud forming a casing lip, encloses an axially spaced circumferential surface which is shut off in the manner of an annular slide valve from the end of the shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: MTU Motoren- Und Turbinen-Union Munchen GmbH
    Inventor: Claus Herzog