With Fluid Responsive Valve Patents (Class 137/183)
  • Patent number: 11828370
    Abstract: A valve includes a valve body including a first fluid, a second fluid port, and an interior passage fluidly connecting the first and second fluid ports, a bore extending inwardly of the valve body and terminating in an annular first seat securement surface extending around the interior passage, the second fluid port fluidly connected to the bore, a cage disposed in the bore, the cage having an annular second seat securement surface and an opposed first annular surface, the annular second seat securement surface facing the annular first seat securement surface, a cover extending over the first wall of the valve body and including a cage engagement surface contacting the first annular surface, and an annular seat having a main body having an opening therethrough and comprising a first annular region having a first elevation and a second annular region having a second elevation different than the first annular region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Proserv Gilmore Valve LLC
    Inventor: Andy Patterson
  • Patent number: 11491421
    Abstract: A vacuum system for use with a deoxygenator system includes a housing, a movable assembly positioned within the housing, and a biasing mechanism coupling the movable assembly to the housing. The movable assembly is movable between a first position and a second position within the housing to form a low pressure area between the housing and the movable assembly. A control system including at least one pressure source is arranged in fluid communication with the low pressure area. The control system is operable to selectively communicate fluid from the at least one pressure source to the housing to form the low pressure area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gerald P. Dyer
  • Patent number: 10669883
    Abstract: Suitability of an operational state of a steam-using equipment is accurately estimated to allow for early detection of a sign of abnormality in the steam-using equipment. A steam-using facility monitoring system composed of a steam-using equipment includes a control state detector that detects a state of a steam controller provided in a steam pipe accompanying the steam-using equipment, and an operational state estimating means having a signal input unit that inputs a detection signal from the control state detector and an operational state estimation unit that estimates the operational state of the steam-using equipment based on one inputted detection signal or a preset particular combination of detection signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Noriaki Tsuchiiwa, Tomoyuki Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 9926822
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a blending chamber having a urea inlet, a blending chamber gas inlet, and a blending chamber outlet. A urea source provides a pressurized urea solution to the urea inlet at a urea injection pressure, and a pressurized gas source transmits pressurized gas to the blending chamber gas inlet via a passageway. The passageway is configured to decrease pressure of the pressurized gas transmitted along its length from a first pressure of gas received from the pressurized gas source to a second pressure of gas provided to the blending chamber gas inlet. The first pressure of gas received from the pressurized gas source is greater than the urea injection pressure and the second pressure of gas provided to the blending chamber gas inlet is less than the urea injection pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: CUMMINS EMISSION SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: George L. Muntean, Steve Holl, Joydeep Chakrabarti, John Anthis, Joshua D. Henry, Samuel Johnson, Andrew Myer
  • Patent number: 8899258
    Abstract: A drain valve includes an inlet plenum, a first orifice downstream from the inlet plenum, a second orifice downstream from the first orifice, and a fluid passage between the first and second orifices. A piston having a first position and a second position has a first surface area exposed to the fluid passage when the piston is in the first and second positions and a second surface area exposed to the inlet plenum when the piston is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Graham-White Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: William F. Ginder
  • Patent number: 8573250
    Abstract: A steam trap comprises a housing defining a flow passage extending between an inlet and an outlet. A cap fitted to the housing has a stop face. In addition, the housing and the cap define a trap chamber. A movable valve element is located in the trap chamber. The steam trap further comprises a first temperature sensor having an inlet sensing portion in the flow path between the inlet and valve element. A second temperature sensor has an outlet sensing portion in the flow path between the valve element and the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Spirax Sarco, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard J. Radle, Robert Leslie Penfield
  • Publication number: 20130220441
    Abstract: There is disclosed a valve comprising a valve body having an upper sealing surface and a maintainable seat detachably attached to the valve body and having a lower sealing surface. A gasket is disposed between the upper and lower sealing surfaces so as to provide a seal between the valve body and the maintainable seat. At least one of the sealing surfaces is profiled. This results in the gasket being highly-compressed so as to form an effective seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: SPIRAX-SARCO LIMITED
    Inventor: SPIRAX-SARCO LIMITED
  • Patent number: 7938213
    Abstract: A vehicle drain hole structure includes an enclosure (e.g., an air intake tube, an intake enclosure, a resonator, a cleaner, etc.) defined by at least one wall. The at least one wall has an inner surface and an outer surface. A drain hole is defined in the at least one wall for providing drainage from the enclosure. The drain hole extends from a first end defined in the inner surface to a second end defined in the outer surface. The first end of the drain hole at the inner surface has a larger cross-sectional area than the second end of the drain hole at the exterior surface to reduce the likelihood of a liquid film forming across the drain hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Raymond Khouw
  • Patent number: 7753383
    Abstract: A device for exposing an opening in a housing part of a steering gear in a vehicle steering system has a closure element that closes the opening and a component that, when it comes into contact with a liquid, changes at least one of its properties such that, after the component cooperates with the closure element, the closure element exposes the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Lenksysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Bareis, Martin Budaker, Reiner Kunz, Wolfgang Reuter, Oliver Hetzel, John Hasenclever
  • Publication number: 20090044868
    Abstract: A steam trap is provided to remove condensed water from a steam pipe having an end to which the strap is connected. In one embodiment, the trap includes a hollow body having an inlet adapted to secure to the pipe end and an outlet, the body comprising a staged internal space; a blocking member secured in the space and comprising a central projection on either surface and a plurality of apertures around the projections; and an abutment member in the rear of the blocking member. Condensate is adapted to pass the apertures while the steam is substantially blocked by the apertures due to capillary action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Ying Chuan Chiang
  • Publication number: 20080283126
    Abstract: A condensate drain for a compressed air system is provided. The condensate drain includes a storage unit, an opening/closing member, and an adjusting member. The storage unit collects condensate and includes a storage main body defining a storage compartment within, and a storage panel sealing one side of the storage main body. The opening/closing member is provided at a side of the storage unit, to selectively open and close a passage through which condensate drains to an outside through an opening/closing valve. The adjusting member is provided at a side and within the storage unit, to adjust the opening/closing member. The opening/closing valve can be formed of an elastic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: WOON JE JOE
  • Patent number: 7316241
    Abstract: A steam trap comprises a trap body having an inlet and an outlet each defining inner threads. The trap body further includes a spigot defining external threads. Also provided is a cap defining internal threads for engaging the external threads of the spigot of the trap body. A valve element freely moves inside a trap chamber defined between an inner surface of the cap and the valve seat of the spigot. The cap defines a top surface on which a disc of thermally insulative material is juxtaposed. A cup-shaped cover, which may carry indicia such as manufacturer name and model number, is received over the thermally insulative disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Spirax Sarco, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Sharp, Jr., Bernard J. Radle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6823785
    Abstract: A printing unit has at least four cylinders that form a printer. At least two of these four cylinders rotate independently of each other. At least one of the cylinders in the group of at least four cylinders has a set up rotational speed that is not zero and that is different from a production rotational speed of that cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Georg Schneider, Wolfgang Otto Reder
  • Patent number: 6397877
    Abstract: A blowdown manifold for a nuclear power plant includes a main conduit section, at least one coolant exhaust conduit, and at least one fluidic device. The main conduit section is connected to a pressure relief system in the nuclear power plant. The coolant exhaust conduit has a first end coupled to the main conduit section and a second end extending into a receptacle. The fluidic device is in fluid communication with the main conduit and exhibits a lower flow resistance to air than to water and steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventors: Clifford B. Martin, Daniel A. Peck
  • Patent number: 6302136
    Abstract: Steam valve wherein at least one of the valve plug mating surface or valve seat mating surface has a metal nitride and/or carbide coating thereon. Preferably, the metal nitride and/or carbide coating is on both mating surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Billy Lee Weaver, Michael R. Woiak, Timothy N. Booth
  • Patent number: 6148844
    Abstract: A condensate removal device for removal of condensate from a fluid system. The device includes a body adapted for connection to the fluid system, the body having an inflow opening and an outflow opening. A trap between the inflow opening and the outflow opening restricts flow of fluid to permit the passage of liquid condensate but to inhibit the passage of gas. The trap includes a fixed passageway extending through the trap constructed for continuous fluid communication between the inflow opening and the outflow opening through the trap. A variable passageway extends through the trap, the variable passageway being constructed to selectively permit fluid communication between the inflow opening and outflow opening through the variable passageway in correspondence with the amount of liquid condensate in the fluid system. The device may include a labyrinth path to trap steam and pass condensate and be constructed to promote heat transfer and condensation of steam within the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Steam Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: E. Michael Stamatakis
  • Patent number: 6148845
    Abstract: The valve housing can be used for valves and steam traps with a compact automatic control unit. It has a connecting part with two flow ducts and a base on which the open end of a cap rests tightly. Two post-like projections with fastening orifices are provided on the longitudinal axis of the flow ducts on the connecting part next to the base and the cap. The cap has two laterally projecting screw bearings. They are arranged at a distance from the open end of the cap in front of the ends of the projections on the longitudinal axis of the flow ducts and are provided with screw holes. The cap is connected to the connecting part by two fastening screws which penetrate through the screw holes and are screwed into the fastening orifices of the projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Gestra GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Borowski
  • Patent number: 6138706
    Abstract: A condensate trap comprises a trap element 12 disposed in a trap chamber 6, and a sensor chamber 16 containing a sensor element 24 for monitoring the performance of the trap element 12. The sensor chamber 16 communicates with the trap chamber 6 through a first passageway 26 and one or more second passageways 28. The first passageway 26 opens into the sensor chamber 16 at an upper region of the sensor chamber, while the second passageway 28 opens at a lower region, so that the sensor element 24 is situated at a level above the lowermost part of the port at which the second passageway 28 opens into the sensor chamber 16. If the trap element 12 does not close the outlet 10 properly, condensate accumulating in the sensor chamber 16 will be forced into the trap chamber 6 through the second passageway 28, and the level will fall to expose the sensor element 24 which will react to provide an alarm signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Spirax-Sarco Limited
    Inventor: Michael John Brint
  • Patent number: 6035882
    Abstract: A condensate trap assembly includes a monitoring device 4 which is closely coupled to, or integral with, a condensate trap 2. The monitoring device 4 includes a flow restriction 56 and a condensate receiving chamber 48 which accommodates a sensor 66. The chamber 48 communicates with an inlet passage 52 on the upstream side of the flow restriction 56 and, via a bore 50, with an outlet passage 54 on the downstream side of the flow restriction 56. The sensor 66 provides an indication of the condition of the condensate trap 2, in accordance with whether the sensor tip 68 is submerged in condensate and in accordance with the temperature of the condensate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Spirax-Sarco Limited
    Inventor: Michael John Brint
  • Patent number: 5921268
    Abstract: A thermodynamic condensate trap comprises a body 2 and a cap 18 which define a chamber 24. Inlet and outlet passage 8, 10 emerge into the trap chamber 24 at a seating face 12. A valve element in the form of a disc 26 is movable within the chamber 24 to open and close a flow path through the chamber 24 between the inlet passage 8 and the outlet passage 10. The cap 18 has thermal insulating means, for example in the form of air spaces 30, 32 to reduce heat transfer between the trap chamber 24 and the ambient surroundings. This reduces the cycle time of the trap, and consequently, extends the useful life of its components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Spirax-Sarco Limited
    Inventor: Jairo Luiz Soares
  • Patent number: 5884654
    Abstract: A condensate discharge device which prevents metal ions from attaching and depositing on the condensate discharge port surface. An inlet, a condensate discharge port, and an outlet are formed in a valve casing, which valve casing includes an upper casing and a lower casing. A valve seat member having a discharge passage is screwed into the lower casing. The discharge passage includes a first orifice having a smaller opening area than the condensate discharge port, and a second orifice having a smaller opening area than the first orifice. A movable member is mounted through the second orifice. On end of the movable member rests on one side of the second orifice, and another end is located on the other side of the second orifice. Condensate flows slowly through the condensate discharge port, preventing metal ions from attaching there, and flows rapidly through the second orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Oike
  • Patent number: 5687755
    Abstract: A condensate trap assembly 12 includes a valve body 28 accommodating a condensate trap element 34 and a valve element 36. The valve element 36 is movable by a positioner 26 to direct flow in a condensate line 10 either through the condensate trap afforded by the trap element, or through the valve bypassing the condensate trap, or to shut off the condensate line 10. The positioner rotates the valve element 36 under the control of control means 54 which responds to signals from a sensor 24 detecting the presence or absence of condensate in a monitoring chamber 16 and the temperature within the chamber 16. The control means 54 is also responsive to the temperature sensed by a temperature sensor 22 upstream of a process 2 utilizing steam or other fluid which is applied to the condensate trap assembly 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Spirax-Sarco Limited
    Inventors: Keith Robert Farquhar, Keith Dewhirst
  • Patent number: 5630441
    Abstract: A self-closing control valve for stopping the penetration of propellant gas into a liquid dispensing system, upon the exhaustion of the liquid from its supply vessel. The valve is easily assembled into standard beer barrels or syrup vessels of CO.sub.2 gas propelled beverages dispensing installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Selector, Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph Feldman
  • Patent number: 5546976
    Abstract: A condensate trap installation comprises a condensate trap 6 and one or more further components such as a strainer 8 and a check valve 10. The condensate trap 6 and the further components 8, 10 are placed in face-to-face engagement at end faces 30 and clamped together by a clamping device, comprising bolts 22 or comprising a carrier 60, which applies a compressive force by means of a clamping body 18 and a flange 20 provided respectively on pipe ends 2 and 4. An isolating valve 14 is provided to isolate the condensate trap 6 and the components 8, 10 so that they can be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Spirax-Sarco Limited
    Inventor: Keith Farquhar
  • Patent number: 5232006
    Abstract: A system for separating gas from a liquid flow whose volume is to be measured with the exclusion of gas inclusions comprises a liquid conduit (5) through which the liquid flow is conducted. The conduit (5) incorporates a volume meter (5), a fluid homogeneity meter (20, 21) arranged upstream of the volume meter, a closure valve (6; 60) and a gas discharge conduit (7; 71) connected to the liquid conduit. The fluid homogeneity meter is constructed to hold the valve (6; 60) in its valve setting in which the liquid conduit (5) is open when the difference between the gas contents of the liquid detected at different time points is lower than a predetermined limit value, and to close the valve (6; 60) when these difference values are not beneath the limit value. The arrangement can be used, for instance, with a system for emptying oil products from a tank in a petroleum tanker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignees: F. Wennstrom Aktiebolag, Isofront Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Roland Brehmer, Kurt Eriksson
  • Patent number: 5211201
    Abstract: An air elimination system is provided for an intravenous fluid delivery system for intravenous injection of fluid into a patient. An air-detection apparatus (5) is disposed in an intravenous fluid line (3). A return line (8) is attached to a point in the line (3) below the air-detection apparatus (5). The other end of the return line (8) is attached to a chamber (1, 2, 12) where air may be separated from the fluid. The separation chamber may be a drip chamber (12), a metering chamber (2) or the intravenous supply (1). When air is detected, a valve (11) or valves (7, 9) are switched, so that the intravenous fluid is prevented from flowing to the patient, and so that, when a pump (4) is turned on, the fluid is pumped through the return line (8) to the separation chamber (1, 2, 12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Deka Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dean L. Kamen, Valentine Faust
  • Patent number: 5211200
    Abstract: An automatic bleed valve bleeds gas from a liquid reservoir. It comprises a housing having a passage extending between an inlet and an outlet with the passage including a bore in which a piston is slidably received. The piston includes a capillary providing fluid communication between the inlet and a chamber formed in the passage adjacent the outlet. The piston is biased into an upstream position in which gas entering the inlet passes through the capillary to the chamber and thence to the outlet. However, the passage of liquid through the capillary so increases the pressure drop across the piston as to move the piston to a downstream position in which the piston closes the outlet to prevent communication between the chamber and the outlet, thus closing the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald F. Cassidy
  • Patent number: 4782851
    Abstract: A scavenger system (10) for a hydraulic recirculating installation, such as may be employed with a vehicular transmission (11), which employs a sump (18) to collect the recirculating hydraulic fluid (19). The sump (18) is to be maintained essentially dry, and as a result the requisite volume of hydraulic fluid (19) for the recirculating installation is stored within an independent reservoir (28). The sump (18) is provided with one or more collecitng wells (21), and a unique pickup head assembly (22) is received within each well (21). The pickup head assembly incorporates capillary ducts (46) which control communication between the well (21) and the conduit means (29) in response to the hydraulic fluid (19) within the well. The capillary filter serves to admit the flow of hydraulic fluid freely therethrough but precludes the passage of air therethrough. A circulating pump (25) has an inlet port (30) which communicates with the reservoir (28) by virtue of a conduit means (29).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Marvin J. Malik
  • Patent number: 4664138
    Abstract: There are disclosed steam traps for use, for example, in a steam system for expelling large quantities of condensate fluid at low pressures and for self locking closed at pressures above a predetermined pressure. The traps include a chamber having an input port and an output port. A movable piston blocks fluid flow between the input port and output port at high pressures but moves to an unblocking position at low pressures to permit fluid flow through the traps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1987
    Assignee: ITT Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin B. Kline
  • Patent number: 4660760
    Abstract: A disc valve member (5) is disclosed that can be fitted to a thermodynamic steam trap (1) without modification of the trap. The disc valve member has an internal chamber (7) and perforated portions (8,9) through which air can escape from a chamber (6) in which the disc valve member floats when fitted in a trap, it being desirable that such air escape should be possible during start-up conditions in a steam line. At normal operating temperature, a bi-metal disc (10) within the internal chamber (7) of the disc valve member is snapped-over to a position in which the path for air escape from the trap chamber (6) is closed, and the disc valve member operates as an imperforate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: Spirax Sarco Limited
    Inventors: Alan F. Bennett, Roy J. Gooderham
  • Patent number: 4592381
    Abstract: A condensate drainage device for a steam system which includes a series-connected arrangement of orifice-type devices particularly suitable for relatively small condensate drainage capacity. The orifice-type devices are selected for installation in housings or bodies having advantageously placed heat exchanger fins which cooperate with the size of orifice devices installed for desired condensate drainage over a range of different steam system pressure and volumetric capacities requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1986
    Assignee: Engineering Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Troy
  • Patent number: 4524793
    Abstract: An automatic valve for bleeding air from liquid or with reversal of the principal elements, vice-versa. In an embodiment for bleeding free air from a hydraulic fluid reservoir or the like, a capillary extends through a movable piston in series with an orifice to differentiate between hydraulic fluid and air due to differences in the pressure drop across the capillary which results from differences in the viscosity of the fluids attempting to pass therethrough. When air, having relatively low viscosity, flows through the capillary, the differential pressure across the capillary and, accordingly, across the piston, is low and the valve remains open to bleed the air. When hydraulic fluid attempts to pass through the capillary, however, the differential pressure thereacross due to the fluid's relatively high viscosity is sufficient to move the piston and close the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventor: Bernard Silverwater
  • Patent number: 4494692
    Abstract: Steam trap structure including a bi-metal strip for actuating valve means to control passage of steam through the steam trap in accordance with the temperature within the steam trap. The bi-metal strip may be straight or may have an arcuate portion on one end thereof and is constructed of alternate layers of steel and brass adjacent pairs of which may be connected together. In a modification all of the steel and brass layers may be connected together. An additional biasing steel layer may be included in the bi-metal strip. The steam trap of the invention further includes multiple coarse and fine strainers adjacent to the outlet valve and unique outlet valve structure including a flanged valve seat and cooperable conical valve member adapted to be self mounting in an opening in the steam trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Inventor: John J. Dobias
  • Patent number: 4387732
    Abstract: A valve body member and various insert assemblies usable with the body member to form steam traps of different types are disclosed in this application. The body member includes an internally threaded, generally cylindrical recess extending inwardly from an outer surface and terminating in an end face, an inlet passage communicating with the recess through a passageway terminating in the end face of the recess, and a discharge passage also communicating with the recess. An annular rib is formed on the end face of the recess around the passageway and includes a surface on which is seated a first sealing ring clamped in place by a first bearing surface of the particular insert assembly used to form the steam trap; an annular seat is formed on the outer surface of the body member around the cylindrical recess and this seat receives a second sealing ring which is clamped in place by a second bearing surface of the insert assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1983
    Assignee: YWHC, Inc.
    Inventor: Heinz K. Hetz
  • Patent number: 4306590
    Abstract: A milking apparatus automatically providing the appropriate amount of vacuum for purposes of milking a cow throughout the entire milking operation. The milking apparatus includes a fluid control valve system having a controller unit and a discharge valve in fluid communication with a collection jar. The controller unit is further adapted for communication with a source of vacuum, and the collection jar is adapted to be in communication with the cow such that the vacuum can draw milk from the cow into the collection jar. The discharge valve is further adapted for communication with a source of vacuum for drawing the milk through the discharge valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1981
    Inventor: Archie E. Boudreau
  • Patent number: 4296771
    Abstract: A steam trap is provided with two paths through which fluid flows from its nput to its output. One path constitutes a control path wherein a small amount of steam or condensate continuously flows through restrictive orifices connected in series between the input and the output. The other path constitutes a main flow path in which a quiet throttling element having a plurality of resistive flow passages and having a moveable valve plug, controls the amount of fluid flowing therethrough. The position of the valve plug and a control piston connected thereto is a function of the fluid flow through the control path between the two orifices; the input and discharge fluid pressures; and a spring connected to the control piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Richard D. Claffy, Reginald B. Lovelace
  • Patent number: 4288032
    Abstract: A valve body member and various insert assemblies usable with the body member to form steam traps of different types are disclosed in this application. The body member includes an internally threaded, generally cylindrical recess extending inwardly from an outer surface and terminating in an end face, an inlet passage communicating with the recess thrugh a passageway terminating in the end face of the recess, and a discharge passage also communicating with the recess. An annular rib is formed on the end face of the recess around the passageway and includes a surface on which is seated a first sealing ring clamped in place by a first bearing surface of the particular insert assembly used to form the steam trap; an annular seat is formed on the outer surface of the body member around the cylindrical recess and this seat receives a second sealing ring which is clamped in place by a second bearing surface of the insert assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Assignee: Yarway Corporation
    Inventor: Heinz K. Hetz
  • Patent number: 4269217
    Abstract: Valve for separating liquids out of gases, as in gas-well-to-customer operations, being an improvement of the valve described in our U.S. Pat. No. 3,769,999 of Nov. 6, 1973, entitled "Liquid Separator System and Apparatus". The valve comprises a body with enlarged inlet chamber, a rising passage communicating therewith, a circumferential groove about the rising passage, downwardly-extending passages spaced on opposite sides of the rising passage and extending to an outlet chamber. The valve includes a head chamber with floating disc positioned within the same and seating atop the rising passage and circumferential groove, the floating disc being provided on the underside thereof with a radial groove to bleed off fluid in the head chamber and one or more further grooves to control fluid coming from the rising passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Inventors: James P. Flanagan, Jack L. Carter
  • Patent number: 4250879
    Abstract: Gravitational flow system and equipment sets for the sequential administration of medical liquids wherein a primary liquid can be administered at a flow rate independent of the flow rate of a secondary liquid, and including a barrier substantially impervious to air to prevent the inadvertent administration of air when the secondary liquid is depleted. The sets of this invention employ a combined air barrier and liquid sequencing valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1981
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Andrew J. Muetterties
  • Patent number: 4223695
    Abstract: A novel valve employing hydrophobic and hydrophilic membranes and providing a combined air barrier and liquid sequencing valve. The novel valve is useful in gravitational flow systems and equipment sets for the sequential administration of medical liquids, wherein a primary liquid can be administered at a flow rate independent of the flow rate of a secondary liquid, and includes barriers substantially impervious to air to prevent the inadvertent administration of air when the liquids are depleted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1980
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Andrew J. Muetterties
  • Patent number: 4222403
    Abstract: An automatic drain exhaust valve (1) for draining water and the like from a pressurized gas system includes a housing (1') defining an inlet orifice (5), an intermediary space (8), and an outlet orifice (6). Valve surfaces (30 and 40) respectively close the inlet and outlet orifices (5 and 6), said valve surfaces (30 and 40) being respectively moved to open positions by gas pressure from the pressurized gas system acting on surfaces of valve actuators such as pistons (3 and 4). One valve surface (30) is moved to a closed position by springs operating on the piston (3) while the other valve surface (40) is moved to a closed position by fluid pressure from the intermediary space (8) acting on a relatively large surface area (42) of the piston (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1980
    Assignee: Fuji Kinzoku Kohsaku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiteru Sonoda
  • Patent number: 4214698
    Abstract: A heat control system for a discontinuously operated heat radiator of the co-tube type is disclosed. A thermostat located away from the radiator controls the opening and closing means of an inlet steam valve located between the steam feeder connection and the radiator. A condensed water outlet valve also located between the steam feeder connection and the radiator is normally biased closed by its own weight. When the inlet steam valve is open the steam pressure on each side of the outlet valve is equal and the outlet valve remains closed as the steam entering the radiator is condensed and backs up behind it. However, when the inlet steam valve is closed, the steam pressure in the radiator is eliminated so that the steam pressure in the steam feeder connection acts on the outlet valve to push it open and allow the condensed water to drain from the radiator into the steam feeder connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1980
    Assignee: Tour & Andersson Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Hans E. Josefsson
  • Patent number: 4134541
    Abstract: A condensate removal device which includes two parallel paths for removal of condensate and gases from a fluid system is provided with a thermostatically operated valve in one path and a drain orifice of a preselected size in the other path. The combination is disclosed as it is used in drain lines of a steam system. A bellows or other thermostatically operated valve controls one path to the drain and is in the open position during warmup of the system to permit the passage of the large quantities of air, condensate, particulates and other matter which are present in the system during the warmup stage of operation. The thermostatic element is designed to be closed at operating temperatures. The drain orifice in the other path is designed to continuously pass the condensate and the like which will form in the line when the system is at or near operating temperatures while restricting the passage of working vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1979
    Assignee: Flexitallic Gasket Company Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Beatty
  • Patent number: 4073306
    Abstract: A steam trap in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed herein includes a valve body member formed with inlet and discharge passages and having a valve seat intermediate the passages that cooperates with a valve member to control the flow of fluid. The valve member is movable in a control chamber and is spaced from the control chamber to form an orifice through which fluid can flow from the inlet side of the valve member into the control chamber for controlling the operation of the valve. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the valve member is made of a material having a different coefficient of thermal expansion than the material forming the control chamber so that the orifice size and the pressure drop thereacross vary non-linearily with temperature whereby the opening and closing of the trap can approximate the saturation curve of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1978
    Assignee: Yarway Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. Neyer
  • Patent number: 4037784
    Abstract: A steam trap allowing the escape of condensate from a working fluid of steam comprises an escape valve mounted in a chamber in which the working fluid flows. The escape valve includes a valve seat member and a deformable metal diaphragm normally closing the steam trap and preventing the escape of steam. The diaphragm closes a housing in which a control fluid of water initially only partially fills the housing to which a vacuum is later applied. The housing bears along the periphery of the diaphragm where the diaphragm is supported by a shoulder in the valve seat member. The valve seat member includes a cylindrical central chamber radially inwardly of the valve seat and an annular chamber radially outwardly of the valve seat. The cylindrical chamber is larger in diameter than and upstream of an escape passageway for carrying away condensate also in the valve seat member. The annular chamber is in communication through a check valve and passages with the chamber in which the escape valve is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1976
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1977
    Assignee: Societe Industrielle des Charmilles
    Inventor: Louis J. Sabarly
  • Patent number: 4013220
    Abstract: In addition to a deformable disk membrane with a valve seat on a portion of a flange immediately surrounding a discharge opening, there is provided a similarly deformable annular disk membrane on a valve seat surrounding that of the disk membrane set back into the flange surface by at least the thickness of the annular disk membrane somewhat obliquely to form a wedge-shaped flow channel communicating with the inlet opening for the working medium. The two membranes are clamped together at their outer edges with an O-ring and a cap providing the chamber for the control medium. The annular membrane operates as a built-in check valve when back pressure of the condensate pushes the disk membrane off its seat, the annular membrane remaining on its seat and blocking the inlet opening against backflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1977
    Assignee: KERAG Kessel-,Apparate- und Anlagenbau Richterswil/Switzerland
    Inventor: Raimund Zoller
  • Patent number: 4004604
    Abstract: Apparatus for draining a condensate from a steam-containing system. A cascade section is adapted for connection to or into the system and provides two throttle points with a pressure chamber therebetween and a valve body disposed in the pressure chamber, same being sensitive to any changes in the physical nature of the medium in the cascade section between the vapor and liquid phases so as to be effective to open the cascade section and permit a liquid flow and yet prevent a vapor flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1977
    Inventor: Hans Deinlein-Kalb
  • Patent number: 3993062
    Abstract: A hydrophobic valve for use with liquids, such as liquids for intravenous administration comprising a housing provided with inlet and outlet means, both of which communicate with the housing, a resilient, inflatable boot mounted in the housing and positioned to block the flow of liquid through the outlet means when inflated and to permit the flow of liquid through the outlet means when in a deflated position, with the boot including an open portion adjacent to the inlet means which is covered by a hydrophobic filter element capable of repelling liquid but permitting the passage of gases, such as air, therethrough whereby liquid introduced to the housing through the inlet means is passed through the housing for discharge from the outlet means and any air introduced with the liquid is passed through the hydrophobic filter into the boot to stop the flow of liquid from the outlet means when the boot is inflated with the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1976
    Assignee: Baxter Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Thurman S. Jess
  • Patent number: 3972342
    Abstract: A deaeration valve useful in a pressurized fluid system for reducing the transfer of air from a sump to the principal reservoir of the system is disclosed. The valve comprises a body including a bore longitudinally therethrough and a poppet-type spool slidably disposed in the bore. An orifice is axially-disposed in the end of the valve spool which is adapted to fit in the seat end of the bore. Air escapes through the orifice when an inadequate amount of fluid pressure is exerted against the orifice end of the spool to force the spool significantly away from the seat. When the spool is forced significantly away from the seat, fluid flow proceeds through a hole which communicates with the bore adjacent the seat. The spool is biased by a spring or the like against the seat, so that the pressure due to the fluid must build up to a significant value before the spool will be forced away from the seat and the hole will be open to fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1974
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1976
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: George James Jackson
  • Patent number: RE48525
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a blending chamber having a urea inlet, a blending chamber gas inlet, and a blending chamber outlet. A urea source provides a pressurized urea solution to the urea inlet at a urea injection pressure, and a pressurized gas source transmits pressurized gas to the blending chamber gas inlet via a passageway. The passageway is configured to decrease pressure of the pressurized gas transmitted along its length from a first pressure of gas received from the pressurized gas source to a second pressure of gas provided to the blending chamber gas inlet. The first pressure of gas received from the pressurized gas source is greater than the urea injection pressure and the second pressure of gas provided to the blending chamber gas inlet is less than the urea injection pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Cummins Emission Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: George L. Muntean, Steve Holl, Joydeep Chakrabarti, John Anthis, Joshua D. Henry, Samuel Johnson, Andrew Myer, John K. Heichelbech