Servo-control Patents (Class 137/195)
  • Patent number: 10677308
    Abstract: An inertia-actuated valve assembly includes a valve housing, a valve body and a biasing element. The valve housing includes a groove that has an open end fluidically accessible from along one side thereof. The valve housing includes a flow channel extending therethrough in fluid communication with the groove from along an opposing side of the valve housing. The valve body is positioned within the groove of the valve housing such that the valve body and the valve housing are axially co-extensive along at least a portion thereof. The biasing element operatively engages the valve body and generates a biasing force urging the valve body in a first axial direction. The biasing force is greater than a predetermined dynamic gas pressure threshold value multiplied by a pressure area and is less than or approximately equal to a valve body mass multiplied by 2.5 times the nominal acceleration due to gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 10442270
    Abstract: A vehicle system is provided. The vehicle system may include a tube configured to provide an outlet for condensate collected within a plenum that connects a cabin duct to a ventilation manifold arrangement. The vehicle system may also include a clearing duct that bypasses the plenum and connects the tube and arrangement, and a controller configured to block passageways between the plenum and cabin duct, and to activate a blower of the arrangement to build pressure within the plenum and clearing duct to clear the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mukesh Kumar, Robert Steven Sawyer
  • Patent number: 10203048
    Abstract: An automatic drain discharge utilizing a vertically movable float to activate a diaphragm of a pilot valve to drive a drain plug. The inner diameter at the bottom of a case is gradually decreased from upper to lower positions. A bottom surface of a communication hole of a drain housing provided in an opening of the case has an inclined surface inclined toward a drain discharge hole. An outer marginal portion which is positioned at the uppermost position in the bottom surface of the communication hole is in the same plane as or lower than a marginal portion which is positioned at the lowermost position in an inner circumferential surface of the case and adjacent to the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: SMC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Matsushita
  • Patent number: 10018301
    Abstract: A drain valve including a housing having a float chamber, a piston chamber, and a plenum communicating with the piston chamber through a seat. The housing has a liquid inlet passage, and an outlet port. The drain valve has a tube passage communicating with the piston chamber. The drain valve includes an annular float. The drain valve includes a seal body connected to the float and rising away from the tube passage when liquid is in the float chamber. The drain valve includes a piston slidably mounted in the piston chamber having a head that moves away from the seat when gas enters the piston chamber. The piston includes a valve element that moves as the piston head moves to expose the liquid inlet port and allow liquid to flow from the liquid inlet passage through the plenum and into the liquid outlet passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Control Devices, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas M. Kornblum
  • Patent number: 9970594
    Abstract: A drain hole for connecting a discharge hole and the inside of a collection container to each other is formed in a valve seat member. A float support is provided with a cylinder portion in which a piston is incorporated in a slidable manner. An vent valve for opening and closing a vent hole by means of a float is provided to the float support. A drain valve which operates between a closing position at which the drain valve closes the drain hole and an open position at which the drain valve opens the drain hole is provided to the piston. A bleed channel for connecting a piston chamber and the discharge hole to each other is formed by an orifice pin mounted in a bleed hole provided to the drain valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Koganei Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Doki
  • Patent number: 9772630
    Abstract: An automatic water discharge device is provided for use with a pneumatically operated apparatus and includes a housing including a water accumulation chamber; an electromagnetic valve coupled to the water accumulation chamber and including a bottom air discharge hole; and a detection mechanism arranged in the housing and in operative coupling with the electromagnetic valve. When the detection mechanism detects moisture entraining gas or air passing through the water accumulation chamber, the electromagnetic valve is activated to allow water to drain through the bottom air discharge hole. As such, operations of automatic detection, accurate draining, and effectively blocking impurities can be all performed and an advantage of maintaining the performance of the pneumatically operated apparatus may also be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventors: Chu-Ting Yang, Shang-Ching Yang
  • Patent number: 9661955
    Abstract: A drain plug kit and method of using the drain plug. The kit includes a buoyant member, a drain plug; and a biasing member configured and arranged to interconnect the buoyant member and the drain plug with biasing of the buoyant member towards the drain plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventors: Peter Joseph Sampair, Judd Alan Jackson, Marta Van Develde McCormack
  • Patent number: 9377129
    Abstract: The invention relates to a condensate discharge device for compressed gas systems, comprising a housing (21), which has a condensate collecting chamber (22) that can be connected to the compressed gas system by means of a condensate feed (23) and which has a condensate drain (24) that can be closed by means of valve assembly (25), and comprising a tubular body (32) protruding into the condensate collecting chamber (22) for accommodating at least one electronic filling level measuring device (31), by means of which the condensate filling level in the condensate collecting chamber (22) can be detected, wherein the housing (21) can be mounted in a first, vertical mounting position and a second, horizontal mounting position and the longitudinal axis of the tubular body (32) extends at an angle to the condensate feed direction (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: BEKO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
    Inventors: Herbert Schlensker, Johannes Sinstedten
  • Patent number: 9283584
    Abstract: A liquid delivery system comprises a tank containing a supply of liquid. A positive displacement pump operates to withdraw the liquid from the tank via a suction conduit and to deliver a pressurized flow of the liquid via a delivery conduit. A metering orifice in the delivery conduit serves to modulate the flow of the liquid through the delivery conduit. A normally closed first valve located in the delivery conduit between the pump and the metering orifice is opened in response to a pressure of the liquid exceeding a threshold level, and is operative when open to deliver the liquid to the metering orifice at a substantially constant pressure. A bypass conduit communicates with the tank and with the delivery conduit at a location between the pump and the first valve. A flow restrictor in the bypass conduit serves to modulate a return flow of the liquid from the delivery conduit to the tank, thereby modulating the pressure of the liquid being delivered to the first valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Global Agricultural Technology and Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: John R. Newton, Michael E. Cheney, Peter J. Brooke
  • Patent number: 8950421
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Woon Je Joe
  • Patent number: 8132589
    Abstract: The invention concerns a regulating valve for the discharge of liquid from a container comprising a movable main valve body for opening and closing an outlet opening for the liquid to be discharged, and a movable pilot valve body for controlling the main valve body, characterized in that the main valve body and the pilot valve body are mechanically coupled together at least in one position relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Gestra AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Kruhsel, Gunter Herbold
  • Patent number: 6588449
    Abstract: Fuel shut-off device for use in a diesel fuel tank to discontinue fuel flow to a fuel pump comprises a valve seat forming a fuel flow opening for fuel to flow from the fuel tank to the fuel pump, a fuel control valve cooperably disposed relative to the valve seat to control fuel flow from the fuel tank to the fuel pump, and a spring biasing the fuel inlet valve to a closed position against the valve seat. A diaphragm is provided having a first valve-actuating side for moving the fuel inlet valve relative to the valve seat against bias of the spring and a second side. The second side is communicated to a control chamber having an inlet orifice that is communicated to the fuel tank and an outlet orifice that is communicated to said fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley N. Kippe
  • Publication number: 20010032669
    Abstract: A float actuated drain system for reservoirs containing pressurized air and/or liquids such as drain valves for traps used in the accumulation of condensate materials from pneumatic systems opens and closes a drain valve depending upon the water level in the reservoir. The drain valve uses internal pressure released from within the reservoir through a normally closed orifice and passing through a tube to operate a drain valve actuator. A lever pivotally mounted inside the reservoir has a float on one end and a stopper on the opposite end which closes the orifice when the liquid level in the reservoir is low and which moves away from the orifice when the fluid reaches a high level in the reservoir to release pressure through the orifice to operate the valve actuator and open the drain valve. After the liquid drains from the reservoir, the float moves to a lower position and the stopper closes the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Applicant: Precision Pneumatics, LLC
    Inventors: William C. Stumphauzer, Hugh F. Groth
  • Patent number: 6178985
    Abstract: An automatic drain system for removal of condensate from compressed air systems comprises a reservoir having an inlet for entry of condensate and outlet for the periodic discharge of accumulated condensate. The discharge, through a ball valve in the outlet, is controlled by a float structure responsive to the level of accumulated liquid condensate in the reservoir. An air discharge tube is provided for the exiting of air when the float (and liquid level) is at the highest position. The air discharge tube is in fluid communication with an air cylinder outside of the reservoir. The air cylinder is coupled to the ball valve to open the valve and allow liquid condensate to exit in response to air pressure transmitted from the air discharge tube. As the liquid exits the liquid level and float are lowered. When float is at its lower position, the float structure closes across the air discharge tube and the cycle repeats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Larry P. Robinson
  • Patent number: 5983919
    Abstract: An automatic drain valve for discharging accumulations of fluids and foreign materials from a fluid handling system. The drain valve (10) comprises a reservoir (14) defining a reservoir volume (15) and a thru-port (28), in fluid communication with the reservoir volume (15), that defines an inlet (30) and terminates in a drainage valve (82) for flowthrough communications with a fluid handling system. An actuating mechanism selectively actuates a valve operator. In the preferred embodiment, a pilot valve (41) is mounted in the reservoir (14) for selectively communicating pressurized air to a valve operator (57), such that the valve operator selectively opens and closes the drainage valve (82) communicating with the outlet (88) of the reservoir (14) for selectively draining the reservoir. The pilot valve (41) includes a sensor tube (42) which defines a valve seat (44) and includes a magnetized valve plug (46) for selectively engaging the valve seat (44), the valve plug (46) having a selected magnetic polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Drain-All, Inc.
    Inventors: Lester V. Ottinger, Dennis E. Collins
  • Patent number: 5687754
    Abstract: An automatic float-activated drain valve for a liquid reservoir used in the accumulation of condensable materials and other contaminants from pneumatic systems and the like. The float is connected by a flexible tether to a lever arm which opens a pilot valve when the reservoir fills with water and the float moves to the top of the reservoir. The pilot valve permits air pressure to flow to an actuator which opens the drain valve. The pilot valve is in communication with a check valve which releases air pressure into the interior of the reservoir to rapidly expel water through the drain valve when the pilot valve is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Precision Pneumatics, LLC
    Inventors: Leonard R. Nemeth, William S. Stumphauzer, Hugh F. Groth
  • Patent number: 5636655
    Abstract: An auto-drainage assembly to be inserted into a pneumatic piping system which supplies pressurized air to a pneumatically operating machine, for separating a drain liquid from the piping. The auto-drainage assembly is the type which includes a drain reservoir case, a hollow discharge guide shaft fitted in position at the bottom of the reservoir case, a drain valve seat provided within the discharge guide shaft for discharging the drain liquid to the outside, a hollow piston driven by pressurized air supplied to a pilot chamber in relation with upward and downward movements of a float within the drain reservoir case, and a drain valve body provided on the piston. The drain valve body is constituted by an annular seal member which is fitted on the outer periphery of the piston, and a large number of drain discharge grooves are provided on the inner periphery of the discharge guide shaft in such a way as to define a corresponding number of guide surfaces between the respective drain discharge grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Junya Kawamura, Yasuhisa Kimura
  • Patent number: 5626163
    Abstract: In order to keep mechanisms related to opening and closing of a drain valve disc out of the influence of drain stored in a bowl, there are provided, at positions higher than a liquid level of the drain stored in the bowl, a pressure receiving member moving up and down due to pilot air pressure in a pilot chamber and for opening and closing the drain valve disc 42, a pilot valve seat for communicating the pilot chamber with the interior of the bowl, a pilot valve disc for opening and closing the pilot valve seat, an exhaust orifice for communicating the pilot valve chamber with the atmospheric air, and a lever tilted by upward or downward movement of a float and for opening and closing the pilot valve disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Kushiya
  • Patent number: 5595210
    Abstract: In order to keep mechanisms related to opening and closing of a drain valve disc out of the influence of drain stored in a bowl, there are provided, at positions higher than a liquid level of the drain stored in the bowl, a pressure receiving member moving up and down due to pilot air pressure in a pilot chamber and for opening and closing the drain valve disc, a pilot valve seat for communicating the pilot chamber with the interior of the bowl, a pilot valve disc for opening and closing the pilot valve seat, an exhaust orifice for communicating the pilot valve chamber with the atmospheric air, and a lever tilted by upward or downward movement of a float and for opening and closing the pilot valve disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Kushiya
  • Patent number: 5533545
    Abstract: This invention involves a liquid drain system with liquid entrance and exit components to be used in or with compressed air systems. The system has a reservoir to hold accumulated liquid and a float in the reservoir that will be movable with the liquid level in the reservoir. So that liquid flows out of the system an air entrance and air exit is provided. The air entrance and air exit is controlled by magnetic and metallic components. When the float is in a lower position in the reservoir, the metallic component is in a closed position. When the float is in an upward position, the metallic component opens the flow passages to permit the liquid to exit the reservoir. An air inlet to the reservoir is provided to cause pressure to allow the liquid to flow out through an exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Air System Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry P. Robinson
  • Patent number: 5417237
    Abstract: An automatic float-activated drain valve for a liquid reservoir used in the accumulation of condensable materials and other contaminants from pneumatic systems and the like. The float is connected by a flexible tether to a lever arm which opens a pilot valve when the reservoir fills with water and the float moves to the top of the reservoir. The pilot valve permits air pressure to flow to an actuator which opens the drain valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Precision Pneumatics, LLC
    Inventors: William C. Stumphauzer, Hugh F. Groth
  • Patent number: 5398716
    Abstract: An air compressor waste drain valve having an automatic drain hole and a dust collector provided respectively at the center and circumference of the inside base of the drain valve so that the moisture produced by the air compressor can be stored in the dust collecting tank of a dust collector and the dust produced by the air compressor can pass through an overflow port of a hollow cover plate. After the moisture has accumulated to a sufficient level, the water will be drained automatically through the drain hole and the accumulated dust can be drained for collection by means of opening the valve, so as to achieve the respective drainage effort for water and dust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: Chia-Tsung Hsu
  • Patent number: 5287916
    Abstract: An apparatus for disposing liquid effluent which has been separated from a fluid system includes a compressor for supplying a compressed fluid to the fluid system. An engine for driving the compressor has an exhaust system which vents an exhaust fluid to an atmosphere external to the fluid system. An aftercooler is flow connected to an outlet of the compressor. A separating means for removing liquid effluent from the compressed fluid is flow connected to the aftercooler. The separating means has a conduit through which the separated liquid effluent flows. A reservoir for collecting the liquid effluent is flow connected in fluid receiving relation to the conduit of the separating means and flow connected in fluid supplying relation to the exhaust system of the engine. During operation, the collected liquid effluent flows from the reservoir into the exhaust system, whereupon entry therein, the exhaust fluid vaporizes the liquid effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventor: Glenn E. Miller
  • Patent number: 5122167
    Abstract: A gas filter assembly for filtering pressurized gas comprises a body with a gas inlet port and a gas outlet port with a central passageway extending downwardly from the inner end of the outlet port, a bowl connected to the bottom portion of the body with a bottom opening that allows liquid to drain from the bowl, a filter cartridge assembly positioned in the gas filter assembly and including a filter element attached to the bottom of the body around the central passageway so that all gas flowing through the gas filter assembly flows through the filter element, the filter element comprising a porous filter material with pores that pass gas when the filter element is dry, but prevent passage of water and gas therethrough when wetted, and a drain in the bottom opening for draining liquid from the bowl, whereby when the liquid level of the bowl rises and covers the filter element, the filter element swells and prevents gas and liquid from flowing through the gas filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: SKD Pneumatics Inc.
    Inventor: Keith L. Daniels
  • Patent number: 5121767
    Abstract: A drain valve including a housing engaged on a base, compressed air may flow into the housing via an inlet of the base, a casing disposed in the upper portion of the housing, a piston slidably engaged in the casing, a rod extended downward from the piston into an outlet of the base for blocking the outlet, a puncture formed in the upper portion of the casing, a plug disposed for blocking the aperture and can be opened by a float. The condensate is accumulated within the lower portion of the housing. Most of the parts are disposed within the upper portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Inventor: Charng-Liang Chuang
  • Patent number: 5103855
    Abstract: An automatic condensate draining device includes a housing which confines a condensate collecting chamber and having a base provided with a condensate discharge opening, and a condensate inlet opening in communication with the condensate collecting chamber. A valve seat unit has an axial through opening to intercommunicate the condensate collecting chamber and the condensate discharge opening. A poppet valve has a piston section in sliding contact with the inner surface of a lower portion of a tubular cover member, and a valve head to accordingly block the axial through opening of the valve seat unit. The piston section and the tubular cover member confine a volume variable chamber. Condensate and high pressure air enter the condensate collecting chamber via the condensate inlet opening and force the poppet valve upward so as to enable the valve head to block the condensate discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventor: Chang-Lang Chuang
  • Patent number: 5080126
    Abstract: A float controlled valve has a float chamber for accumulating a fluid, a pivoting float arm having a float mounted on one end thereof for fluid level determined movement within the chamber, a pivotally mounted actuator arm coupled to the float arm by a magnet driver and having a first magnet mounted at one end of the actuator arm; a pivotally mounted control arm having a second magnet attached thereto, in magnet coupling relationship with the first magnet, and valve means coupled to the pivotally mounted control arm for controlling fluid flow from the chamber in response to movement of the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: R. P. Fedder Corporation
    Inventors: Edward F. De Rycke, Gordon F. Leonard, Robert D. MacArthur
  • Patent number: 5052426
    Abstract: A system and method for releasing erosive slurries from containment at high pressure without subjecting valves to highly erosive slurry flow. The system includes a pressure letdown tank disposed below the high-pressure tank, the two tanks being connected by a valved line communicating the gas phases and a line having a valve and choke for a transfer of liquid into the letdown tank. The letdown tank has a valved gas vent and a valved outlet line for release of liquid. In operation, the gas transfer line is opened to equalize pressure between tanks so that a low level of liquid flow occurs. The letdown tank is then vented, creating a high-pressure differential between the tanks. At this point, flow between tanks is controlled by the choke. High-velocity, erosive flow through a high-pressure outlet valve is prevented by equalizing the start up pressure and thereafter limiting flow with the choke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Stanley Kasper
  • Patent number: 5014735
    Abstract: An automatic drain valve for discharging accumulations of condensables and foreign materials from a pneumatic system. The drain valve (10) comprises a reservoir (14) defining an inlet (30) and an outlet (86) for flowthrough communications with a pneumatic system. A pilot valve (41) is mounted in the reservoir (14) for selectively communicating pressurized air to a valve operator (57), such that the valve operator selectively opens and closes a drainage valve (82) communicating with the outlet (88) of the reservoir (14) for selective draining the reservoir. The pilot valve (41) includes a sensor tube (42) which defines a valve seat (44) and includes a magnetized valve plug (46) for selectively engaging the valve seat (44), the valve plug (46) having a selected magnetic polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Drain-All, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernie W. Cummings
  • Patent number: 5004004
    Abstract: An automatic drain valve for discharging accumulations of condensables and foreign materials from a pneumatic system. The drain valve (10) comprises as reservoir (14) defining an inlet (30) and an outlet (86) for flow-through communications with a pneumatic system. A pilot valve (41) is mounted in the reservoir (14) for selectively communicating pressurized air to a valve operator (57), such that the valve operator selectively opens and closes a drainage valve (82) communicating with the outlet (88) of the reservoir (14) for selective draining the reservoir. The pilot valve (41) includes a sensor tube (42) which defines a valve seat (44) and includes a magnetized valve plug (46) for selectively engaging the valve seat (44), the valve plug (46) having a selected magnetic polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Drain-All, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernie W. Cummings
  • Patent number: 4779640
    Abstract: An automatic drain valve for discharging accumulations of condensables and foreign materials from a pneumatic system. The drain valve (10) comprises a reservoir (14) defining an inlet (30) and an outlet (86) for flow-through communications with a pneumatic system. A pilot valve (41) is mounted in the reservoir (14) for selectively communicating pressurized air to a valve operator housed in the base portion (18) of the reservoir (14), such that the valve operator selectively opens and closes a drainage valve (82) communicating with the outlet (88) of the reservoir (14) for selective draining the reservoir. The pilot valve (41) includes a sensor tube (42) which defines a valve seat (44) and includes a magnetized valve plug (46) for selectively engaging the valve seat (44), the valve plug (46) having a selected magnetic polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Drain-All, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernie W. Cummings, Ralph W. Farkas
  • Patent number: 4765357
    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 collecting wells (21), and a unique pickup head assembly (22) is received within each well (21). The pickup head assembly incorporates a pilot valve (60) that interacts with an inlet valve (55). The inlet valve (55) effects communication between the well 21 and a conduit means (29). The conduit means (29) communicates with the inlet port (30) of a circulating pump (25) from a fluid reservoir (28) as well as from the pickup head assembly (22). A float (99) senses the level of the fluid (19) within the well (21) and effects a corresponding reaction to the spool valve (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Marvin J. Malik
  • Patent number: 4574829
    Abstract: An automatic drain valve system for collecting and draining a liquid and/or contaminants within a reservoir (45A) including a level sensing float (68A). The liquid or contaminants are introduced into the reservoir through an inlet (48A) and exit the reservoir (45A) through an outlet (206). A control valve which is responsive to the liquid level contained within the reservoir (45A) includes coupled magnetic members which selectively open and close the control valve in response to the liquid within the reservoir (45A) reaching preselected levels. This control valve activates the drain valve (34A) for opening and closing the drain outlet such that the system is automatically drained upon when the liquid within the reservoir reaches a preselected level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: Drain-All, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernie W. Cummings, Nick Valk
  • Patent number: 4562855
    Abstract: An automatic drain valve system for collecting and draining a liquid and/or contaminants within a reservoir (148) including a level sensing float (68'). The liquid or contaminants are introduced into the reservoir through an inlet (48) and exit the reservoir (148) through an outlet (176). A control valve which is responsive to the liquid level contained within the reservoir (148) includes coupled magnetic members which selectively open and close the control valve in response to the liquid within the reservoir (148) reaching preselected levels. This control valve activates the drain valve (34') for opening and closing the drain outlet such that the system is automatically drained upon when the liquid within the reservoir reaches a preselected level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1986
    Inventors: Ernie W. Cummings, Nick Valk
  • Patent number: 4444217
    Abstract: An automatic drain system is provided for reservoirs used to accumulate water, condensables, and other foreign materials which may be present in pneumatic systems and the like. This drain system is associated with a reservoir wherein these contaminants are accumulated and is operated by a float within this reservoir. The principal operating items of the drain system are a pair of magnetically coupled magnets, one positioned within the float and the other within a valve plug of a pilot valve. These magnets normally have opposite polarities whereby the float, in its lowest position and as it rises within the reservoir, causes the valve plug to be maintained against the pilot valve seat. A separate pneumatic system attached to this pilot valve maintains a drain valve operator in a condition such that the drain valve from the reservoir is closed while the pilot valve components are in contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: Drain-All, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest W. Cummings, Nick Valk
  • Patent number: 4275755
    Abstract: A steam trap is provided having a main locking member disposed in a supply pressure chamber and cooperating with a main valve seat, a pressure chamber provided in the low pressure end and an adjustment member mounted in the pressure chamber which is responsive to the pressure therein, and which is coupled with the main locking member by means of a shaft. The shaft has a control conduit longitudinally extending therethrough coupling the supply pressure end with the pressure chamber. A pilot valve seat is provided on the main locking member at the inlet opening of the control conduit and a pilot locking member is provided which cooperates with the pilot valve seat. An actuating device is provided for the pilot locking member which is controlled by the condensate to be discharged. The steam trap is particularly characterized by the provision of a seat element on which the main valve seat is formed which supports the pressure chamber on a neck member having outflow openings for the condensate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1981
    Assignee: Gestra-KSB Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner Foller, Hermann Symanczyk
  • Patent number: 4112968
    Abstract: A drain valve for a compressed air system automatically discharges liquid separated from system air from a container in which the separated liquid is trapped when the trapped liquid activates the drain valve. A spring biases the valve element of the drain valve to an open position to drain the trapped liquid during system shut-down and is positioned in an outlet passage of the container so that the spring is accessible for replacement without dissassembly of the drain valve. A float in the container is responsive to the level of trapped liquid to open communication between the system pressure and a chamber on the upper side of a diaphragm type valve actuator to offset the system pressure in a chamber on the lower side of the valve actuator so that the spring and the pressure on the upper side of the valve actuator acting on the valve element moves the valve element to its open position for discharging the trapped liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1978
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert K. Hoffman, David C. Franson
  • Patent number: 4082107
    Abstract: A drain valve for a compressed air system automatically discharges liquid separated from system air from a container in which the separated liquid is trapped when the trapped liquid activates the drain valve. A spring biases the valve element of the drain valve to an open position to drain the trapped liquid during system shut-down and is positioned in an outlet passage of the container so that the spring is accessible for replacement without disassembly of the drain valve. A float in the container is responsive to the level of trapped liquid to open communication between the system pressure and a chamber on the upper side of a diaphragm type valve actuator to offset the system pressure in a chamber on the lower side of the valve actuator so that the spring and the pressure on the upper side of the valve actuator acting on the valve element moves the valve element to its open position for discharging the trapped liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1978
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert K. Hoffman, David C. Franson
  • Patent number: 4057076
    Abstract: A valve connects a waste water producing unit to a vacuum sewer. The valve comprises a collecting chamber receiving waste water, a closing member a connection between the collecting chamber and the vacuum sewer, a pressure controlled operating device for moving the closing member, a float moved by liquid level variations in the collecting chamber, and a pilot valve. The operating device of the closing member is controlled by the latter and the latter is controlled by the float. The operating device is constantly in connection with the vacuum system of the vacuum sewer and is influenced by the pilot valve so that the vacuum in the operating device is either increased or decreased to obtain a pressure difference in the operating device which pressure difference causes the valve opening movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1977
    Inventors: Martti Varis, Krister Nordberg
  • Patent number: 3993090
    Abstract: In an automatic valving device, the combination comprises a container, an exhaust valve mounted in a lower portion of the container, an arrangement for actuating the exhaust valve, a pilot valve mounted in an upper portion of the container and coupled to the actuating arrangement, and an elongated guideway extending generally between the pilot valve and the exhaust valve. A float is movably mounted on the guideway and is operatively coupled to the pilot valve. The float is movable along a length of the guideway between an upper pilot valve opened position and a lower pilot valve closing position. Magnetic members are mounted on the guideway and the float respectively. At least one of the magnetic members is magnetized, and the magnetic members are shaped for magnetically attractive engagement therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1976
    Inventor: Paul M. Hankison
  • Patent number: 3980457
    Abstract: A fluid valve apparatus particularly for pneumatic service (air or other gases) in a filter/separator for opening and closing a valve in response to the level of liquid in a container. The apparatus includes a valve having a magnetically attractable portion and a float having a magnet therein adjacent but physically separated from the valve for opening and closing the valve magnetically in response to changes in the liquid level within the container. In the preferred embodiment, the valve apparatus is used with a filter/separator in an air pressure supply line to automatically dump water and other liquids condensed from the air supply and collected in the filter reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1975
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1976
    Assignee: International Basic Economy Corporation
    Inventor: John L. Smith
  • Patent number: 3966437
    Abstract: A pressure vessel adapted for connection in a high pressure gas line and having a coalescent type filter mounted to extract condensate; a vertical guide fitted with upper and lower magnetically operated switches at positions representing high and low condensate levels; a float carried by the guide for vertical reciprocation and having magnetic means for operating the switches; and an electrically operated valve connected to a condensate drain opening and to a control circuit connected to the switches whereby the condensate will be maintained within upper and lower limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1973
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1976
    Assignee: Rix Industries
    Inventors: Charles F. DeWolf, William S. Gault