Float Patents (Class 137/192)
  • Patent number: 11156236
    Abstract: A ball valve assembly including a fluid storage mechanism (e.g., accumulator) that absorbs excess fluid pressure vented through a communication port is provided. The ball valve assembly includes a housing with a fluid passage formed therethrough, a seat located in the fluid passage, and an inlet of the fluid passage on a first side of the seat for coupling the ball valve assembly to the communication port. The ball valve assembly includes a ball with a bore formed therethrough. The ball is positioned in the seat and rotatably movable between an open position allowing flow through the fluid passage and a closed position preventing flow through the fluid passage. The ball valve assembly also includes an accumulator disposed in the housing and fluidly coupled to the first fluid passage on a second side of the seat opposite the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventor: Morris B. Wade
  • Patent number: 10823333
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure vessel system comprising a pressure vessel for storing a gas under pressure, at a potential leakage interface of the pressure vessel, one or more gas sensitive parts configured to undergo a modification when the gas passes along the potential leakage interface; said leakage interface being an interface within the pressure vessel; and one or more detection modules configured to detect a modification of the one or more gas sensitive parts. The invention also relates to a connection assembly comprising a first connection part and a second connection part, said first and second connection part being configured to realize a gas tight connection; one or more gas sensitive parts arranged at a connection interface between the first connection part and the second connection part, and one or more detection modules configured to detect a modification of the one or more gas sensitive parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Plastic Omnium Advanced Innovation and Research
    Inventors: Bjorn Criel, Francois Dougnier
  • Patent number: 10801522
    Abstract: A wet-gas compressor is described, comprising a compressor casing and a rotor, for rotation in the compressor casing and comprised of at least one impeller. In the compressor casing, a cavity is provided, where liquid contained in a wet gas can collect during operation of the compressor. A drain port is at the bottom of the cavity and a vent port is above the drain port of the cavity. The drain port and vent port are in fluid communication with a liquid-level measuring chamber. A level gauge is provided at the liquid-level measuring chamber and a drainage valve for discharging liquid from the cavity towards a liquid discharge line connected to the drain port. A control arrangement receives a signal from the level gauge and controls the opening of the drainage valve liquid in the liquid-measuring chamber reaches a threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: NUOVO PIGNONE SRL
    Inventor: Matteo Bertoneri
  • Patent number: 10753330
    Abstract: A drain for a fuel-water separator (FWS) bowl is disclosed. The drain may include a valve element configured to float in a first fluid and not in a second fluid, wherein the valve element is in a valve element chamber of the drain, wherein the valve element chamber includes an opening configured to drain the first fluid from the valve element chamber, and wherein the valve element seals the opening when the drain is in an open position and when the first fluid has been drained from the valve element chamber; and a member configured to unseal the valve element from the opening when the drain is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Corey C. Eadie, Javier Rodriguez, Bryant Morris, Patrick Savage
  • Patent number: 10663080
    Abstract: There is provided a liquid level control device (20) for location in a vessel to control the liquid level in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Jason Ralph-Smith
  • Patent number: 10605480
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, and/or manufacture that is configured for operably releasing condensate from a condensate-producing unit without allowing a substantial quantity of gas to enter the condensate-producing unit and/or a substantial quantity of gas to flow through the system, machine, device, and/or manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Inventor: Nicholas Howard Des Champs
  • Patent number: 10488088
    Abstract: A valve arrangement according to the present disclosure includes a valve module and a drain valve. The valve module includes first and second functional spaces, and an attachment interface defining a passage into one of the first or second functional spaces. The drain valve includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet formed through a common connector part that is connectable to the attachment interface to connect the fluid inlet of the drain valve to the second functional space and the at least one fluid outlet to the first functional space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: DANFOSS A/S
    Inventors: Giriraj Verma, Rajendren Gurumoorthy, Shrikant Chandrakant Kulkarni, Niels P. Vestergaard
  • Patent number: 10180147
    Abstract: A compressor system having at least one fluid compressor for compressing a working fluid is disclosed herein. The compressor system can include at least one heat exchanger for removing heat from compressed working fluid. At least one moisture separator can be coupled to the compressor system to separate condensed liquid from the compressed working fluid. A float drain module can be positioned within the moisture separator for receiving the condensed liquid. A float valve and a check valve housed within the float drain module are movable between open and closed positions and cooperate to remove condensed liquid from the working fluid without permitting discharge of gaseous working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Michael R. Borkowski
  • Patent number: 10113778
    Abstract: A chiller system includes a compressor that compress refrigerant, a condenser that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and a cooling water discharged from the compressor, and a flow adjusting device that is provided to a refrigerant outlet side of the condenser and adjusts refrigerant amount in the inside of the condenser, the flow adjusting device includes, a main body portion that is communicated with a tubing of the outlet side of the condenser, a refrigerant supply tube that extends to the main body portion from the condenser and supplies the refrigerant in the inside of the condenser to the inside of the main body portion, and a flow hole that is formed on the main body portion and is selectively opened and closed according to refrigerant pressure which is input through the refrigerant supply tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Cheolmin Kim, Jinhee Jeong, Jungho Kang, Hyunwook Han
  • Patent number: 10017931
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to multi-port valves for use in controlling the direction of fluids and mixed media, and find particular use in connection with toilet systems, such as vacuum toilet systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: MAG Aerospace Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Razmik B. Boodaghians, Timothy Birbeck, Sebastien Weber, Nguyen Tram, Kevin Huang, David Beach
  • Patent number: 10017930
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to multi-port orbital valves for use in controlling the direction of fluids and mixed media, and find particular use in connection with toilet systems, such as vacuum toilet systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: MAG Aerospace Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Razmik B. Boodaghians, Timothy Birbeck, Sebastien Weber, Nguyen Tram, Kevin Huang, David Beach
  • Patent number: 9776474
    Abstract: A water discharge device that collects and drains condensed water generated in an air conditioning device includes: a drainage path along which condensed water is able to be drained in a draining state in which condensed water is expelled; and an opening and closing member that is able to block and open the drainage path. The opening and closing member blocks the drainage path so as to limit movement of air due to dynamic pressure when in a non-draining state other than the draining state. The opening and closing member drains condensed water through the drainage path when in the draining state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Makoto Kume, Toshio Tsuboko, Seiji Kamei, Tomohiro Kamiya, Syun Omori, Hirokazu Yamadaki, Shinichirou Hirai
  • Patent number: 9568194
    Abstract: Variable momentum burner assembly for separately injecting fuel gas and oxidant in a combustion zone, comprising at least two fuel gas canals, at least one oxidant canal and a fuel gas distributor, whereby the at least two fuel gas canals comprise an inner fuel-conducting passage forming an inner fuel gas outlet and an outer fuel-conducting passage forming an outer fuel gas outlet, said inner and said outer fuel-conducting passages being coaxially arranged; and whereby said fuel gas distributor comprises a first fuel gas chamber in fluid connexion with the inner fuel-conducting passage of the at least two fuel gas canals and a second fuel gas chamber in fluid connexion with the outer fuel-conducting passage of the at least two fuel gas canals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Société Anonyme Pour L'Étude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Mohand Amirat, Pascal Duperray, Benoit Grand, Magnus Mortberg, Jacques Mulon, Xavier Paubel, Rémi Tsiava, Robert Kalcevic
  • Patent number: 9273828
    Abstract: An auto flow steam trap has a hollow main casing having an inlet channel and an outlet channel, a float assembly mounted in the main casing, and a non-return valve assembly. With the non-return valve assembly mounted in the outlet channel of the main casing, the auto flow steam trap only needs one non-return valve assembly to control allowing the condensate to flow out of the main casing or not. Thus, the auto flow steam trap has advantages such as simple structure and low failure rate, easy assembling, and so on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Inventor: Yung-Sho Yang
  • Patent number: 8631814
    Abstract: A flow control device for use in a supply line between a pressurized liquid container and a dispenser for the liquid, the flow control device comprising a chamber (200) having an inlet (114) for receiving liquid from the container; a base section (102) comprising a chamber outlet (122) for supplying liquid to the dispenser; a vent valve (110) for venting gas from the chamber (200); a float valve (106) comprising a float section (142) and a seat section (146) and movable to and from an open position wherein the chamber outlet (122) is open to liquid flow and a closed position wherein the chamber outlet (122) is closed to liquid flow; and a float valve opening mechanism (120) Wherein the float section (142) of the float valve (106) comprises a plurality of protrusions (143), at least some of which engage the inside (138) of the chamber (200) so as to locate the float valve (106) substantially in line with the chamber outlet (122).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Frank Hartmann
  • Patent number: 8522811
    Abstract: An auto flow steam trap has a hollow body, a partition panel mounted in the body, at least one float seat mounted on the partition panel and at least one float assembly mounted in the at least one float seat. Condensate flows through at least one condensate inlet formed on the body, the at least one float seat and at least one float assembly, and then is drained out of the steam trap from a transverse outlet formed on the body. No flash steam occurs when the condensate is drained out of the steam trap. With a non-return valve assembly of the float seat, the condensate and steam that have flowed out of the steam trap do not flow back into the steam trap so a float of the float assembly is not damaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Yung-Sho Yang
  • Patent number: 8347780
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for separating air from a fluid, such as syrup, as the fluid enters a first chamber of a system; passing the fluid from the first chamber to a second chamber via a first device; passing the air from the first chamber to the second chamber via a second device so as to reintroduce the air back into the fluid and form a new fluid mixture having more uniform air bubbles; and discharging the new fluid out of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Xylem IP Holdings LLC
    Inventors: John Fong, Peter Wright, Chris H. McDonald, Gerard K. Caldwell, David L. Phillips, David Allen, Thang Dang, Daniel Gudalj
  • Patent number: 8302619
    Abstract: A foreign object in a discharge path defined and formed in a valve case is effectively removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Oike
  • Patent number: 8230872
    Abstract: A steam trap for discharge of condensate is disclosed. The steam trap includes a chamber, a first orifice and at least one other orifice. Each of the orifices has closing elements. The closing elements of all orifices are connected to an interlinked lever arrangement operated by a float. The orifices open in response to level of condensate in the chamber of the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Spirax Marshall Pvt. Limited
    Inventors: Chavan Patil Pranil Pandurang, Joshi Milind Arvind
  • Publication number: 20110197974
    Abstract: A draining apparatus for use in discharging water from a cistern which is arranged for dual flush operation. The apparatus includes an inlet member (2), buoyancy altering means connected to the inlet member and an outlet (4) fluidly connected to an inlet of the inlet member by an adjustable conduit (5). The buoyancy altering means is operable to decrease the buoyancy of the inlet member thereby submerging, in use, at least a portion of the inlet and discharging water from the cistern. In one embodiment, the buoyancy altering means includes a buoyancy member (3) releasably latched to the inlet member for movement therewith. In another embodiment, the buoyancy altering means includes a buoyancy chamber with a valve operable to selectively release or retain air within the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Menear, Christopher Corbett, Allan Price
  • Patent number: 7926505
    Abstract: In present-day aircraft a drain mast is used on the underside of the fuselage in order to discharge grey water to the external environment. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention there is no need to provide such a drain mast in that a transfer unit is used as a connection unit, and buffer storage spaces are used between the wash basins and the vacuum waste-water system. The transfer unit comprises a self-opening valve with a floating body for automatic discharge. This purely mechanical function and the simple design result in low susceptibility to malfunction and in a long service life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Hoffjann, Harald Gruendel
  • Publication number: 20100154437
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a dehumidifier and a vent drain assembly to reduce moisture in an electrical enclosure. The dehumidifier can include a thermoelectric module, a drain pan, and a fitting to release the collected moisture from the drain pan. The vent drain assembly can receive the collected moisture from the drain pan and the fitting. The vent drain assembly can include a valve body, a float, and a cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: William J. Nepsha, Bruce W. Larson, Gregory A. Quick, Robert M. Kalstabakken
  • Patent number: 7699238
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a steam trap for draining off condensate from a collecting chamber in which condensate resulting in a pressure gas system is collected, the collecting chamber being pressurized by a gas pressure which, depending upon the operating state of the pressure gas system, may be a negative pressure below the atmospheric pressure, an overpressure above the atmospheric pressure or an atmospheric pressure itself. The steam trap may be separated via an interface into an integral first assembly unit and an integral maintenance assembly unit which comprises the essential wear and tear parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Beko Technologies GmbH
    Inventor: Johannes Sinstedten
  • Publication number: 20090283153
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for separating air from a fluid, such as syrup, as the fluid enters a first chamber of a system; passing the fluid from the first chamber to a second chamber via a first device; passing the air from the first chamber to the second chamber via a second device so as to reintroduce the air back into the fluid and form a new fluid mixture having more uniform air bubbles; and discharging the new fluid out of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: John FONG, Peter WRIGHT, Chris H. McDONALD, Gerard K. CALDWELL, David L. PHILLIPS, David ALLEN, Thang DANG, Daniel GUDALJ
  • Patent number: 7571739
    Abstract: A condensate drain includes a body defining an interior space. An inlet opening is in fluid communication with the interior space of the body for allowing condensate to enter into the interior space, and an outlet opening is in fluid communication with the interior space of the body for allowing condensate to exit the interior space. A float is disposed in the interior space for movement within the interior space relative to the body generally along a float axis between a closed position in which the float blocks fluid communication from the inlet opening to the outlet opening and an open position in which the float permits fluid communication from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. The float is buoyant so that the float is moved to the open position by condensate as condensate fills the interior space of the body. The interior space and the float are sized and shaped so that the float is constrained to substantial alignment with the float axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Steam Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Michael Stamatakis, Michael C. Stamatakis, Christopher T. Luppens
  • Publication number: 20090114658
    Abstract: A float-based automatic drain valve automatically drains fluid from a compressed air cylinder; the cylinder includes a chamber with an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is formed at the top of the chamber and connects to a low point of the compressed air cylinder to receive fluid therefrom. The outlet is formed at the bottom of the chamber for discharging the fluid. A buoyant stopper disposed within, and not attached to, the chamber, seals the outlet when insufficient fluid is present within the chamber to float the buoyant stopper. Further, the buoyant stopper unseals the outlet and discharges the fluid when buoyancy of the stopper within the fluid overcomes forces seating the buoyant stopper at the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: David Kumhyr
  • Patent number: 7412987
    Abstract: An expansion tank to be connected to a pipe system filled or with a liquid is disclosed. The expansion tank includes at least one connection opening for a liquid pipe. The tank has a main valve to close off the connection opening at a defined difference in pressure between the interior of the tank and the connection opening and/or at a defined liquid level in the tank. The tank also has an additional valve for closing off a channel extending through the closure member of the main valve from the interior of the tank to the connection opening. The additional valve is closed during normal operation of the expansion tank and is open if the difference in pressure between the interior of the tank and the connection opening is higher than the original pressure in the expansion tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Flamco B.V.
    Inventors: Dimitri Wasil Kemper, Jan Postma, Jan Henk Cnossen
  • Patent number: 7314509
    Abstract: A gas/liquid phase separator includes a fluid inlet, a vapor outlet, a liquid outlet, and first and second valves disposed in fluid communication with the liquid outlet. Both valves are controllable in response to a fluid level in the gas/liquid phase separator. Both valves are further disposed in parallel fluid communication with each other. A method of controlling a liquid level in the phase separator includes sensing an amount of liquid in the phase separator, sensing a system pressure, and selectively opening a valve disposed in fluid communication with the phase separator to drain the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Proton Energy System, Inc.
    Inventors: A. John Speranza, Andrzej E. Stanek, Angelo A. Morson, Justin D. Baltrucki
  • Patent number: 7171976
    Abstract: Provided is a steam trap, in which an inlet and an outlet in a body are formed collinearily and a float for opening/closing the outlet is included. The steam trap having a float within a case includes the case, a cover, a strainer, the float, an arm, a gate, a lever, and a valve plug. The case includes therein an inlet through which condensate and water flow in and an outlet through which the condensate flow out. The cover is bolt-coupled to the case. The strainer is formed in the inlet and filters foreign substances. The float is formed within the case. The arm is formed at the bottom of the float. The gate is screw-engaged with one side of the case and has an orifice formed therein. The lever connects the gate and the arm. The valve plug is formed in the lever and opens and closes the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Soon Kyu Joo, Sun Kyu Joo
  • Patent number: 7096880
    Abstract: There is provided a float type steam trap having a casing having a float chamber formed with an inflow port and an outflow port. A holder has a flow path communicating with the outflow port. A valve seat on the holder communicates with the outflow port. A float has a float body and a lever with a valve element. One end of the lever is fixed to the float body, and the other end is supported by the holder. The valve element slides with the up-and-down movement of the float body to open and close the valve seat 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Motoyamaseisakusho
    Inventors: Masahiko Aoki, Jiro Sanui
  • Patent number: 6857445
    Abstract: A float bell for use in a condenser comprising a center sleeve extending along a centerline comprising a first and second perimeter, an outer sleeve comprising a first and second perimeter encompassing the center sleeve, a top in contact with the second perimeter of the outer sleeve and the second perimeter of the center sleeve, and a plurality of stiffeners extending between the center sleeve and the outer sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Vishnu M. Sishtla
  • Publication number: 20040261845
    Abstract: A float bell for use in a condenser comprising a center sleeve extending along a centerline comprising a first and second perimeter, an outer sleeve comprising a first and second perimeter encompassing the center sleeve, a top in contact with the second perimeter of the outer sleeve and the second perimeter of the center sleeve, and a plurality of stiffeners extending between the center sleeve and the outer sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Vishnu M. Sishtla
  • Patent number: 6823885
    Abstract: A liquid drain (2) includes a drain body (20). The drain body defines a float chamber (30) that is adapted to store a liquid. A liquid level adjusting mechanism serves to adjust the liquid level within the float chamber and includes a float (40; 240; 340; 440; 540). The float has a float body (42; 242; 342; 442; 542) that is adapted to float on the liquid surface within the float chamber. A damper (43; 46; 243; 343; 443) may inhibit or minimize a shaking phenomenon of the float body due to waving of the liquid within the float chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihisa Hotta, Koichi Suda, Kiyoshi Yoshizumi
  • Patent number: 6745580
    Abstract: A combination P-trap, shutoff switch and cleanout fitting for installation in a drain line has a hollow generally cylindrical body with a central chamber, an integrally formed tubular inlet and outlet, and a removable cap with a depending float switch which is disposed in the chamber. The float switch is electrically connected between the thermostat and air handler unit. The inlet conducts liquid from a drain pan into the lower portion of the chamber beneath a partition and the outlet conducts water from the upper portion of the chamber into the downstream portion of the drain line. When the surface of the liquid in the chamber is above the partition the device functions as a P-trap to prevent backflow of undesirable gases and odors from downstream being drawn up through the drain line by the air conditioner recirculation fan and entering into the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: David Brown
  • Patent number: 6736964
    Abstract: The apparatus for separating and measuring mixed fluids, specifically the separation of crude oil and water and the volumetric measurement of each of the mixed fluids using a mechanical portable device primarily involving a separation vessel, an adjustable float within the vessel which allows the fluid of less specific gravity to be released from the top of the separation vessel through an upper pipeline, the heavier specific gravity fluid to be released from the bottom of the separation vessel through a lower pipeline, with fluid volume meters on each of the pipelines to measure the liquid flowing through the respective pipelines, the apparatus presented as a portable unit transferable from one pumping device to another, allowing for an accurate measurement of the fluids being extracted by the pumping devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis Paul Caldwell
  • Patent number: 6626201
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing reverse flows in a drainage is disclosed. In this apparatus, a floating device (41) and a reverse flow preventing device (54) act mutually in opposite directions owing to the floating force and the water pressure, and thus the bottom of the round body (20) of the apparatus is automatically opened and closed, so that the drainage can efficiently work, and the waste water and the draining water with foul odors can be prevented from flowing reversely. The apparatus for preventing reverse flows of waste water according to the present invention includes a round body (20) to be installed in a drain hole (60). A guide member (30) is installed on a second filtering net (25) of the top of the round body (20), and has a guide (31) at the center of it. An openable/closable device actuating member (40) is insertingly installed on the guide member (30), for moving up and down along the guide (31) owing to the floating force and the self-gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Jong Sun Kim
  • Publication number: 20030155007
    Abstract: A liquid drain (2) includes a drain body (20). The drain body defines a float chamber (30) that is adapted to store a liquid. A liquid level adjusting mechanism serves to adjust the liquid level within the float chamber and includes a float (40; 240; 340; 440; 540). The float has a float body (42; 242; 342; 442; 542) that is adapted to float on the liquid surface within the float chamber. A damper (43; 46; 243; 343; 443) may inhibit or minimize a shaking phenomenon of the float body due to waving of the liquid within the float chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihisa Hotta, Koichi Suda, Kiyoshi Yoshizumi
  • Publication number: 20030098061
    Abstract: The invention is generally a condensate trap for an air conditioning system. The condensate trap includes a first end cap having a first ear and a second ear, a second end cap having a first ear and a second ear, a chamber that couples the first end cap to the second end cap, and a float disposed in the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Charles Stuchlik
  • Patent number: 6564820
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reliable regulating device that permits liquids, such as fuel oils, to be drained into the enclosure while preventing the flow of gases into the enclosure. The device includes a valve housing having a chamber for receiving the liquids and the gases and a drain valve means in open flow communication with the liquids and gases. The drain valve means includes a valve seat and a float member both located within the valve housing. The float member has a specific gravity less than the liquids passing through the device. The float member floats off the valve seat when the liquids flow through the valve housing and engages the valve seat when gases are present in the chamber preventing the gases from entering the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Christman
  • Publication number: 20030066561
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reliable regulating device that permits liquids, such as fuel oils, to be drained into the enclosure while preventing the flow of gases into the enclosure. The device includes a valve housing having a chamber for receiving the liquids and the gases and a drain valve means in open flow communication with the liquids and gases. The drain valve means includes a valve seat and a float member both located within the valve housing. The float member has a specific gravity less than the liquids passing through the device. The float member floats off the valve seat when the liquids flow through the valve housing and engages the valve seat when gases are present in the chamber preventing the gases from entering the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen Christman
  • Patent number: 6526921
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for operating a closed hot water installation provided with a pipe system, a boiler, heat exchangers, an expansion tank, a water make-up provision and a de-aerator, the method including the steps of opening a non-return valve to allow air to escape, detecting a water level in the de-aerator, feeding water to the closed installation when the level falls below a predetermined level, blocking opening of the non-return valve until the water level has fallen to a first level and starting the feed of water when a second lower level is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Spiro Research B.V.
    Inventor: Franciscus Roffelsen
  • Patent number: 6481455
    Abstract: A bubble trap for an extracorporeal blood handling or other fluid handling system has a chamber (10) constructed from a top section (20) and bottom section (30). There is a fluid inlet (50), gas vent port (70) for purging gas that has separated from the fluid in the chamber, and a fluid outlet (50). There are two balls (64) and (74), which act as check valves to prevent fluid flowing out the vent port, and gas escaping through the fluid outlet. The chamber geometry prevents entrapment of either ball in the corner as blood level rises or falls. Squeeze bulbs (66) and (76), and shutoff valves (68) and (78), provide for unseating the check balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Vernon C. Maine PLLC
    Inventors: Robert Christian Gustafson, Vernon C. Maine
  • Patent number: 6419662
    Abstract: The present invention is a continuous irrigation system for medical applications, including transurethral resection procedures, which provides automatic bag switching. It includes: (a) a first and second liquid irrigation bag; (b) a first proximal tubing and a second proximal tubing extending from the first liquid irrigation bag and the second liquid irrigation bag, respectively, and (c) a control valve device. The control valve device includes: (i) a main housing having a hollow body and a top and a bottom; (ii) an outlet located on and extending downwardly from the bottom for attachment of distal delivery tubing thereto; (iii) two inlets, located on or near the top of the main housing for the first and second proximal tubing; (iv) a floatation valve for opening and closing the second inlet. There is a distal delivery tubing connected to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Anthony Solazzo
  • Patent number: 6336467
    Abstract: An improved float and valve assembly for a liquid-gas accumulator including a buoyant float having a density selected in accordance with the working pressure, a float which can be lengthened or shortened, and friction and drag is reduced by optimizing the bore to rod length, honing coacting parts, providing a crown engaging the spring, and providing grooves in the exterior of the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Accumulators, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffry A. Schneider
  • 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: 6287370
    Abstract: Disclosed is a drain discharge apparatus comprising a float provided displaceably in response to drain stored at the inside of a filter case, a handle formed with a drain discharge port for discharging the drain stored in the filter case to the outside, and a swinging mechanism for operating a valve plug for opening and closing the drain discharge port by the aid of a lever linked to displacement of the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takehiko Kanazawa
  • Patent number: 6209567
    Abstract: A foam trap or FOB for a gas propelled or mechanically pumped liquid dispensing system, having an upper ball stopper valve seat and gas vent port at the top and a lower ball stopper valve seat and liquid outlet port at the bottom, with two floating ball stoppers that are raised and lowered by the level of liquid unless locked into a seated position on a valve seat by pressure. Ball stoppers can be independently mechanically dislodged and constrained from reseating on either valve seat by externally accessible means. The interior geometry inhibits the ball stoppers from competing or blocking access to respective valve seats when liquid is falling or rising. The trap automatically shuts off outflow when liquid is depleted, permitting a container change, opening of the vent port, and purging of gas or air in the trap by refilling the trap with liquid before closing the vent port and reopening the outflow. The trap may be integrated into an automated container switching system for liquid dispensing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Vernon C. Maine PLLC
    Inventor: Robert C. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 6192920
    Abstract: A valve for maintaining a given level of liquid in a tank, reservoir, or other container having a liquid-gas interface. Said valve being actuated by a float that rises and falls along with the liquid in the container. Said valve float actuates a series of valves in sequence wherein the higher the float rises, the more valve ports are opened allowing a higher flow rate through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Lance W. Hellerman
  • Patent number: 6186160
    Abstract: A device for drawing off gaseous and liquid media from an inflowing medium, in particular in a tank ventilation system, has the following features: a housing, a feed connection for introducing the inflowing medium into the housing, an outlet connection for drawing off the liquid medium at the lower side of the housing, an outlet connection for drawing off the gaseous medium at the upper side of the housing, a float chamber which is arranged between the outlet connections, a floating body which is arranged in the float chamber in a manner which allows it to be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the float chamber, a closing device for closing the float chamber with respect to the outlet connection for the liquid medium, a closing device for closing the float chamber with respect to the outlet connection for the gaseous medium, and a deflecting device for deflecting a longitudinal movement of the floating body within the float chamber into an opposite direction and for transmitting the said longitudinal
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Werner Hennrich, Andreas Richter
  • Patent number: 6092547
    Abstract: A combination valve and trap device is described for use in liquid supply and liquid disposal systems. Floats of various size, weight and shape are encased in cylindrical housings with inverse funnel inlets and outlets. The device functions as a valve, trap and back-flow safety device, depending on the float configuration, requiring neither mechanical apparatus nor external power supply for functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventors: Keinosuke Komiya, Ken Komiya