Fluid Sensing Valve Patents (Class 137/199)
  • Patent number: 11865296
    Abstract: A catheter system for draining a bodily fluid from a fluid source in a body of a subject. In one form, the catheter tube has a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter tube includes a drainage lumen that extends from a proximal end opening in the proximal end to a distal end opening in the distal end. The catheter system further includes a fluid sampling component in fluid communication with the distal end opening. In some embodiments, the catheter system includes a one-way check valve. In some embodiments, the catheter system includes a balloon positioned between one or more openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: DIGNITY HEALTH
    Inventors: Roy Boukidjian, Gregoire Boukidjian
  • Patent number: 11395985
    Abstract: The technology disclosed herein relates to a vent assembly having a vent housing that defines a first airflow pathway, a second airflow pathway, and a third airflow pathway. The first airflow pathway is configured for fluid communication with an interior of an enclosure. The second airflow pathway is configured for fluid communication with the external environment, and the third airflow pathway extends between the first airflow pathway and the second airflow pathway. A membrane is coupled to the vent housing such that the second airflow pathway and the third airflow pathway are in communication through the membrane. Coalescing filter media is disposed within the vent housing such that the third airflow pathway and the first airflow pathway are in communication through the coalescing filter media. The vent assembly defines a spacing region between the coalescing media and the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Lauden, Michael J. Hebert, Daniel Dotzler, Daniel Little
  • Patent number: 11110381
    Abstract: A vent filter and a Radio Remote Unit having the vent filter. The vent filter includes a first member including a first body having a ventilation path extending through the first body, an inner wall constituting a ventilation hole which is communicated with the ventilation path, and an outer wall constituting a gap between the inner wall and the outer wall. The vent filter also includes a second member including a second body and at least one enclosure wall protruding out from the second body, wherein at least one of the at least one enclosure wall is located outside the outer wall and surrounding the outer wall. Both the inner and outer walls have at least one first groove at an end and each of the at least one enclosure wall has at least one second groove at an end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Xiaogang Song, Pinghua Duan, Guanghua Pan, Zhen Yang, Jinhui Dou, Zhan Ying, Pengxiao Ge, Peng Xu
  • Patent number: 10612566
    Abstract: Aspects and techniques of the present disclosure relate to a bleed valve system for bleeding fluid of a first, lower, specific gravity from a fluid of a second, higher, specific gravity, in a fluid system. The techniques can be used to provide a bleed valve system, for a pressurized fluid system, that is not sensitive to rotational orientation around a mounting axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventor: Shrikant Chandrakant Basurtekar
  • Patent number: 10378532
    Abstract: A well pump assembly has a barrel, a standing valve at an upper end of a standing valve chamber, and a plunger. A travelling valve admits well fluid into the barrel during a fill stroke. The travelling valve closes during a power stroke so that the plunger pushes well fluid from the barrel into the standing valve chamber. A gas release port extends from the standing valve chamber to the exterior of the pump assembly. A check valve in the gas release port has an outward flow blocking position for blocking liquid well fluid in the standing valve chamber from exiting through the gas release port while the plunger is in the power stroke. The cheek valve has a gas release position that enables gas present in the standing valve chamber to flow out the gas release port while the plunger is in the power stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Baker Huges, a GE Company, LLC
    Inventors: Donn J. Brown, Trevor A. Kopecky, Brown Lyle Wilson
  • Patent number: 9981752
    Abstract: A liquid tank system comprises a main liquid tank, an outlet communicating between a fluid circuit and the main liquid tank, an inlet communicating between the fluid circuit and the main liquid tank, and an auxiliary cavity. First vent passage and second vent passage(s) communicate between the main liquid tank and the auxiliary cavity and allows liquid and gas to flow from the main liquid tank to the auxiliary cavity. The second vent passage has a flow control device regulating flow through the second vent passage and having a set point at which it allows liquid and gas to flow from the main liquid tank to the auxiliary cavity only when a pressure in the main liquid tank is beyond a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Sebastien Bergeron, Pierre Gauvin, Johnny Vinski, Genevieve McMurray
  • Patent number: 9539406
    Abstract: An interface device for supplying a gas flow for breathing is disclosed herein. The device includes at least one socket for detachably connecting an apparatus for supplying anesthetic agent, at least one gas output opening for delivering the fresh gas to the apparatus, and at least one gas input opening for receiving the fresh gas mixed with anesthetic agent. The device also includes a connection valve and at least four ports in flow communication with the valve, a first port receiving the gas, a second port providing a communication with the output opening, a third port providing a communication with the input opening, and a fourth port providing a communication for breathing, the valve having a first operational state disconnecting communication between the first and second port, and to second operational state providing communication between the first and second port, but also between the third and fourth port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Erkki Heinonen
  • Patent number: 9514735
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a waterproof sound-transmitting sheet, the thickness of which can easily be adjusted and which has a high sound transmitting efficiency and excellent waterproofness, and a method for producing same. The waterproof sound-transmitting sheet, which is attached to a sound hole of a case, includes: a support layer made of a film-shaped porous material and formed in the case; and a waterproofing layer formed on one side of the support layer in the shape of a porous nanoweb in which fine fiber strands are crosswisely layered and exposed to the outside of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Amogreentech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: In-Yong Seo, Seung-Hoon Lee, Jun-Sik Hwang, Yong-Sik Jung, Kyung-Su Kim
  • Patent number: 9510075
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a waterproof sound-transmitting sheet having high sound transfer efficiency and excellent water proofing performance and a method for producing same. The waterproof sound-transmitting sheet includes: a sound-transmitting layer made of a polymer material and formed in the shape of a web having a plurality of pores; and a coating layer formed on at least one side of the sound-transmitting layer to block pores existing on the surface of the sound-transmitting layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Amogreentech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: In-Yong Seo, Seung-Hoon Lee, Jun-Sik Hwang, Yong-Sik Jung, Kyung-Su Kim
  • Patent number: 9327898
    Abstract: A method and product for producing a soft sounding aerosol spray from a particulate suspension, said method and product involving a spray channel having an exit orifice of internal diameter of from 0.5 to 0.8 mm and a terminal section leading to the exit orifice of internal diameter from 0.5 to 0.8 mm for a length of 5 mm or greater, the terminal section of the spray channel including the exit orifice having a tubular internal surface free from obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Joseph van Dijk, Lynda Grainger, Anthony Moretta, Brian Patrick Newby, Simon Andrew Watson
  • Patent number: 9183763
    Abstract: The present invention describes a device and system for simulating normal and disease state cardiac functioning, including an anatomically accurate left cardiac simulator for training and medical device testing. The system and device uses pneumatically pressurized chambers to generate ventricle and atrium contractions. In conjunction with the interaction of synthetic mitral and aortic valves, the system is designed to generate pumping action that produces accurate volume fractions and pressure gradients of pulsatile flow, duplicating that of a human heart. Through the use of a remote handheld electronic controller and manual adjustments from a main control panel, the air pressure level, fluidic pressure, and heart rate is controlled to induce contractions that simulate a wide variety of heart conditions ranging from normal heart function to severely diseased or injured heart conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Vascular Simulations, LLC
    Inventors: David Jeffrey Carson, Baruch B. Lieber, Chandramouli Sadasivan, David John Florella, Henry Heesang Woo, Michael Romeo
  • Patent number: 9016303
    Abstract: The present invention is an air evacuation apparatus that prevents the accumulation of air inside a swimming pool or spa filter by allowing any air to be removed from inside the filter every time the swimming pool pump is turned on. By allowing air to be removed from the filter, the present invention prevents the build-up of dangerous levels of potential energy caused by compressed air inside the filter that can lead to the violent separation of the filter. More important, the air evacuation apparatus of the present invention allows air to be safely and automatically removed from inside of the filter without interfering with the functionality of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Vaccare, LLC
    Inventors: Hassan Hamza, Garrett James Burkitt, III
  • Publication number: 20150107688
    Abstract: A vent valve for a buoyancy control device suitable for divers, where the valve may be opened by any combination of over-pressure, manual pressure relief or a powered means, where a force to a valve plug is applied by means of a spring that is constrained to prevent entirely lateral and angular movement but in which movement of the plug in the axis of the seat is unconstrained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Pandora Underwater Equipment SA
    Inventors: Alexander Roger DEAS, Vladimir Nikolayevich DAVYDOV
  • Publication number: 20150047716
    Abstract: A pipeline vent valve is disclosed having a housing that includes an upper portion defining an outlet and a lower end defining an inlet. A body disposed in the housing is movable between a first position and a second position. In the second position, the body affects the close of the outlet and the outlet is offset from a longitudinal axis of the body. A valve assembly is supported by an upper end of the housing and is movable between a closed position where the valve assembly is disposed in sealing engagement with the outlet and an open position where the valve assembly is out of sealing engagement with the outlet. The valve assembly is responsive to a level of fluid in the housing and includes an arm that is pivotally secured adjacent the outlet for movement in only one plane relative to the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: P.I.H.A. Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Jeffrey Muir, Aaron John Roy Goodwin
  • Publication number: 20150046025
    Abstract: A fuel tank venting system for a motor vehicle includes an outlet side of a tank venting valve connected to an inlet side of a first vent line and to an inlet side of a second vent line. An outlet side of the first vent line is connected to an intake manifold upstream from a throttle valve and downstream from an air filter, and an outlet side of the second vent line is connected to the intake manifold downstream from the throttle valve. The first check valve has a first position sensor and the first closing element has a detectable element. The first position sensor is connected to an electronic control device to transmit signals. A position of the first closing element may be determined by means of the position sensor and the detectable element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Udo Brinkaemper, Jens Gruener, Ramakrishnan Rajagopal
  • Patent number: 8931501
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flow in a fluid flow path can include a chamber containing an expandable material, the expandable material being configured to expand out of the chamber into a portion of the fluid flow path so as to at least partially block the fluid flow path. The apparatus also can include at least one structure providing flow communication between the chamber and the fluid flow path. The at least one structure can be configured to pass the expandable material from the chamber to the portion of the fluid flow path during expansion so as to control a rate at which the expandable material expands into the portion of the fluid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Applied Biosystems, LLC
    Inventors: James C. Nurse, John R. Van Camp
  • Patent number: 8925569
    Abstract: Disclosed is a safety valve of a low-pressure gas pipe which can be installed in a large-scale pipeline through which waste gases generated in a large-scale factory such as a steel mill flow and can reduce maintenance/management costs. The safety valve of a low-pressure gas pipe installed in a waste gas pipeline to discharge condensate includes: a first pipeline connected to a bottom surface of the waste gas pipeline and having a waste gas outlet on an inner wall thereof at one side thereof; a second pipeline extending from the first pipeline to be bent and extending in a direction parallel to the first pipeline; and an opening/closing unit for opening or closing the waste gas outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Postech Academy—Industry Foundation
    Inventors: Woon Bong Hwang, Jeong Hwa Seo, Wan Kyun Chung, Dong Seob Kim
  • Patent number: 8910675
    Abstract: A method for venting of a liquid tank with a valve, a primary compartment and a secondary compartment which are connected together via a bridge. The valve includes a chamber provided with a cover, which extends at least partly into the tank and is connected via an upper venting aperture to a venting circuit. A first device monitors a level of liquid in the primary compartment. A second device monitors a level of liquid in the secondary compartment. The valve configured to be closed when the first device detects that the level of liquid in the primary compartment is equal to or higher than a first predetermined filling level, and the second device detects that the level of liquid in the secondary compartment is equal to or higher than a second predetermined filling level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Philippe Coulon, Sebastien Jouie, Remi Thebault, Pierre Lacome, David Hill, Joseph Douglas Chiasson
  • Publication number: 20140326328
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a combination valve assembly comprises a valve housing, an overpressure vent valve, a fill valve and a movable liquid overfill seal. The valve housing includes a longitudinal axis. The overpressure vent valve relieves excess pressure from the tank to which the assembly is affixed. The fill valve includes a fill valve pin actuatable between an open and closed configuration. The overfill seal is movable between a fluid sealing position and a fluid releasing position, and is elastically biased toward its fluid sealing position. In its fluid sealing position, the overfill seal prevents liquid from escaping the tank through the dip tube and outward of the valve assembly. Actuation of the fill valve pin toward its open position and movement of the overfill seal toward its fluid releasing position are preferably configured to both occur in the same direction, which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: YSN IMPORTS, INC.
    Inventor: Shmuel Dovid Newman
  • Patent number: 8776822
    Abstract: An inflow protection device for preventing liquids and other contaminants from entering a water-carrying pipeline through an air valve connected to the pipeline. The inflow protection device includes an adaptor and an elongated vent pipe. The adaptor has a first end for coupling with an outlet of the air valve and second end. The vent pipe has a first end configured for directly or indirectly coupling with the second end of the adaptor and a second end extending out of and above a vault in which the air valve is installed. The vent pipe is of a length sufficient to position its second end above a flood plain level so that the second end allows air to be exhausted from and admitted into the air valve even when the vault in which the air valve is located becomes flooded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Odor Control Specialties, LLC
    Inventor: Mark McIntire
  • Patent number: 8770217
    Abstract: An apparatus for purging air from a fluid conveying tube includes a housing member comprising an inner bore having an inlet and an outlet (115); and a vented piston member slidably disposed within the inner bore, the vented piston member comprising a filter element and at least one air vent. The filter element is configured to allow air to pass through the vented piston member to the at least one air vent and to prevent fluid from passing through the vented piston member to the at least one air vent. A method of purging accumulated air from a fluid conveying tube includes providing a vented piston member slidably disposed within a housing member; displacing air from the fluid conveying tube through a filter element disposed within the piston member using pressurized fluid; and displacing the piston member with the pressurized fluid; wherein the displacement of the piston member exposes an outlet for the pressurized fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Arnold, Gregory K. Justice
  • Publication number: 20140052044
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for venting a gas from a liquid, which are applicable to a wide variety of medical liquid delivery systems. The apparatus includes level detectors, a clamp, and a control apparatus operably connected to the level detectors and the clamp. The method includes detecting whether liquid or gas is present at the level detectors, and opening and closing a clamp to vent gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Inventors: Martin Joseph Crnkovich, Colin Weaver
  • Patent number: 8506066
    Abstract: In an image forming apparatus ejecting droplets of a liquid, a valve unit is provided to connect a liquid tank with a discharge flow path connecting the valve unit with a waste liquid tank. The valve unit has a first valve having a communication path, a spring biasing the first valve to open, a valve sheet, and a second valve to open or close the discharge flow path in conjunction with movement of the first valve. When a discharging device is not driven, the first valve maintains an open state while the second valve maintains a close state. When the discharging device is driven, the second valve achieves an open state and air flows through the communication path. When the liquid flows through the communication path, the first valve is moved to achieve a closed state while the second valve maintains the open state, thereby closing the discharge flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumitaka Kikkawa
  • Patent number: 8485143
    Abstract: A valve arrangement for venting a coolant circuit of an internal combustion engine having several subcircuits includes a valve which is in fluid communication with a primary vent line extending from one of the subcircuits. At least one secondary vent line is in fluid communication with the valve and extends from another one of the subcircuits. The primary and secondary vent lines are connectable to a shared third vent line which feeds into a compensating reservoir arranged at a geodetically highest point in the coolant circuit. The valve is constructed to establish a continuous fluid communication of the primary vent line with the compensating reservoir via the third vent line and to establish a fluid communication of the secondary vent line with the compensating reservoir via the third vent line only in the presence of air bubbles in the secondary vent line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Matthias Honzen, Sebastian Riedl, Christoph Anton
  • Patent number: 8418712
    Abstract: The present invention provides an air discharge implement for a portable pressurized sprayer comprising a cylindrical main body of discharging duct, an external hood jacket, a conical moving plug and a compression spring. Wherein the main body of hollow discharging duct includes a cylinder bore, a cylindrical discharging mount for containing conical moving plug, and an air passage interposed between hollow discharge chamber and cylinder bore. The external hood jacket is a hollow holder to contain compression spring. The conical moving plug includes a top cone and a planar base with plural footing legs so that a water flow gap is created between the planar base and the air passage at the cylinder bore. If the present invention is properly connected to a water outtake hose of a portable pressurized sprayer, either no air or certain air mingled in the compressed water, it can achieve the air-discharging effect completely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: Ying Lin Cai, Chao Fou Hsu
  • Publication number: 20130065739
    Abstract: An air management system that allows safe and convenient forms of interval training exercise to be performed on pneumatically elevating rebound exercise equipment. The system includes at least one air intake valve and bleed valve. By providing repeatable degrees of difficulty for both air intake and air release from the extendable air springs employed for the exercise, competitive athletes and their coaches can design, employ, repeat, and compare individualized medium- or high-intensity interval protocols for optimal cardiovascular training programs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: George Steven Morrow
  • Publication number: 20110108159
    Abstract: A tank assembly including a tank for storing fluid, the tank having a fluid refill path. The assembly includes a blocking valve coupled to the tank, the blocking valve being positioned in the fluid refill path and configured to selectively generally seal the fluid refill path. The assembly further includes an overfill valve in fluid communication with the fluid refill path and configured to generally block the fluid refill path when sufficient fluid is in the tank. The blocking valve is positioned to prevent vapors which are introduced into the fluid refill path via the overfill valve from escaping from the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: DELAWARE CAPITAL FORMATION, INC.
    Inventor: Brandon P. Grote
  • Patent number: 7866334
    Abstract: A sewer pipe gas exhaust filter apparatus includes a sewer vent valve unit connected to a sewer pipe and including a valve member moved into and out of engagement with a valve seat by a float member, a gas filter unit connected to the sewer vent valve unit and including a gas filter medium, and a gas flow valve arrangement to cause gases from the sewer to flow through the filter medium while bypassing air drawn into the sewer pipe past the gas filter unit. The filter medium of the gas filter unit removes chemical components from air and gas exhausted from the sewer pipe, thereby improving the odor of such exhausted gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Mark McIntire
  • Patent number: 7762273
    Abstract: The object of the present invention relates to a venting device, which can be connected to a tank containing air and water. The device comprises a first venting path for the air and first intercepting means, set along this, which are suitable for closing the first path. The device also comprises a second venting path for the water and second intercepting means, set along this, which are suitable for opening the second passage to deliver the water. The first intercepting means can be influenced by the water to go from the open configuration to the closed configuration, so that when the air has been vented out, the water reaches a set greater pressure limit, opens the second intercepting means and can be delivered outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: OLAB S.r.l.
    Inventor: Cesare Bottura
  • Patent number: 7739957
    Abstract: An inflator 10 of the present invention contains: a housing 12, a cold gas chamber 16 within the housing 12 for storage of a stored gas supply, a pyrotechnic chamber 18 within the housing 12, a pyrotechnic charge 20 within the pyrotechnic chamber 18, a wall 22 adjoining the cold gas and the pyrotechnic chambers 16, 18, a first orifice 24 defined in the wall 22 for passage of gas between the chambers, and a perforated flexible member 28 contained within the cold gas chamber 16, wherein the flexible member 28 is fixed about the orifice 24 for modulation or controlled variation of gas flow through the orifice 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: TK Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald B. Patterson, Bruce A. Stevens
  • Patent number: 7264024
    Abstract: A valve for closing a container and for enabling the container to be filled has a housing (20) with an inlet port (30) and an outlet port (40). A closing member (60) is provided for sealingly closing the valve at the inlet port (30). At least one valve member (70) is provided for controlling fluid communication between the inlet port (30) and the outlet port (40). The valve member only allows fluid communication when it is in a first position. The valve member (70) is designed in such a way that it is brought into and maintained in said first position only if a predetermined filling condition is achieved. The filling condition is typically achieved, when the filling pressure of a system for filling the container (50) is initially below a first predetermined or predeterminable threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Soda Club (CO2) Atlantic GmbH
    Inventors: Mark Funt, Michel Ben-Simon, Gregory Leved, Avi Cohen
  • Patent number: 7159606
    Abstract: The invention relates to a storage reservoir for receiving grease or a like lubricant for a lubricant pump with a, for example, cylindrical side wall and a cover wall closing off a reservoir interior space at a top of the side wall. A pressure compensation device is disposed such that the reservoir interior space is flow-connected with a reservoir exterior space via an air-permeable but water-impermeable membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Lincoln GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Zdravko Paluncic, Andreas Schönfeld
  • Patent number: 7025079
    Abstract: An automatic air bleed valve which allows air to escape from water lines. Allowing air to thus escape, prevents pump cavitation and/or air in the heater. The air bleed valve is positioned between a pump and the heater, and is higher than the heater, and no higher than the water level in the spa. The air bleed valve comprises a vertically disposed cylinder containing a piston and having a valve bottom, a valve inlet proximal to the valve bottom, valve top, and a valve outlet proximal to the valve top. The piston moves vertically in the cylinder. While water is present in the cylinder, the piston raises and cooperates with a seal to prevent a flow of water through the valve. While air is present in the cylinder, the piston drops and allows the air to flow past the piston to the valve outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph G. Elnar
  • Patent number: 6926023
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that allow for the continued operation of a fire sprinkler or standpipe system after the failure of an air release valve, wherein connected to the air release valve is a system that collects and contains fire extinguishing liquid leaked from an air release valve, as well as being able to detect and stop such leaks that could not be contained by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Potter Electric Signal Company
    Inventors: Michael F. Cabral, Michael D. Kirn
  • Patent number: 6893485
    Abstract: A kit for constructing a de-aerator that includes a concentrator is adapted to be connected to a standard pipe coupling. The concentrator is inserted in the path of liquid conveyed through the pipe coupling for aggregating gas, and directing the gas to a cavity. The cavity is encased by the fitting which is a vertical, cylindrical sheath with one end adapted to be inserted into standard pipe couplings, and the other end adapted to be connected with the cap. The cap includes a vent adapted to open and shut in response to lowering and raising of the level of the liquid in the cavity below/above a threshold, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Swabey, Ogilvy, Renault
    Inventor: James MacDuff
  • Publication number: 20040144424
    Abstract: The invention relates to a storage reservoir for receiving grease or the like lubricant for a lubricant pump with a, for example, cylindrical side wall (2) and a cover wall (3) closing off the reservoir interior space (5) at the top, in which a pressure compensation device (4) is disposed such that the reservoir interior space (5) is flow-connected with the reservoir exterior space (6) via an air-permeable but water-impermeable membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Zdravko Paluncic, Andreas Schonfeld
  • Patent number: 6708716
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body having a passageway and first and second oppositely facing valve seats that extend around the passageway. First and second valve elements are positioned in the passageway to seal against the respective valve seats, and a spring biases the first valve element to the closed position against the first valve seat. The valve seats are spaced sufficiently closely together along the passageway that the first valve element, when positioned against the first valve seat, holds the second valve element away from the second valve seat. For this reason, the spring also biases the second valve element away from the second valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Schrader-Bridgeport International
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Schultz, Scott M. Scarborough
  • Patent number: 6679431
    Abstract: A plastic thermostat housing having a vent passage including a valve portion (46), a cap portion (48), and an outlet portion (54), with the cap portion (48) being larger in cross sectional area than the cap, portion (48). A check valve (52) is inserted into the valve portion (46) and a cap (50) with a vent hole (56) is inserted into the cap portion (48) for retaining the check valve (52) in the vent passage. The assembly is characterized by the plastic material of the housing (12) being deformed into engagement with the cap (50) for retaining the cap (50) in the valve portion (48) of the vent passage. The cap (50) may comprise a plastic material to be fused to the housing (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Mathson Industries
    Inventors: Boney A. Mathew, Carl S. Howarth
  • Publication number: 20020195141
    Abstract: A normally open check valve, incorporating a bell-shaped check valve member, and filter assembly incorporating same, wherein the specific gravity of the bell shaped member volume as defined by the throat, and exterior wall of the bell shaped member is less than one, and the bell shaped member is disposed adjacent a valve seat in a chamber with the throat opening thereof generally facing a liquid source, among other things. The low specific gravity for the bell shaped member volume may be attained by way of example, by the bell shaped member interior capturing and retaining a gas bubble when the throat of the member is exposed to a liquid-gas interface, or by a thin member covering the throat of the bell shaped member to encapsulate a gas bubble, or by a foamed synthetic resin material in the interior of the bell shaped member, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Rick R. Ruschke
  • Patent number: 6439863
    Abstract: A fuel pump designed to prevent vapor lock. The pump comprises an inlet check valve located between a pumping chamber and a reservoir. The inlet check valve allows the flow of fluid from the reservoir into the pumping chamber. The inlet check valve is constructed such that when a combination of both liquid and vapor is present in the pumping chamber, the liquid and vapor is allowed to flow from the pumping chamber back into the reservoir; but when the pumping chamber is filled only with liquid, the inlet check valve prohibits flow from the pumping chamber into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Orbital Engine Company (Australia) Pty. Limited
    Inventor: Michael Leonard McKay
  • Patent number: 6386222
    Abstract: A tank venting system includes a vent apparatus for controlling discharge of fuel vapor and liquid fuel through an aperture formed in a fuel tank. The vent apparatus includes a vent valve, a vent valve mover, and a liquid fuel sensor positioned to lie in the fuel tank and configured to operate a control module and a solenoid to control operation of the vent valve mover so as to move the vent valve between opened and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Harris
  • Patent number: 6334459
    Abstract: A brake bleeding tool having a positive locking device, one for each, of the standard and the recessed bleeder valves of vehicle braking systems. These tools have a nut driver configuration on the proximal end allowing the mechanic to open and close the valves in a hand tight manner. The tools other than the locking configurations operate exactly the same. A biased discriminator pin allows air to be expelled from the system by the mechanic pumping the brake pedal, however when the brake fluid reaches the discriminator pin it is detained allowing the brake pedal to reach a full top position. If the mechanic feels that there is still some air in the system, then by added pressure on the brake pedal to overcome the adjustably biased discriminator pin air and brake fluid will be discharged through the tool, a fitting and hose at the distal end directs the brake fluid into a container. By using one of these tools on each brake cylinder being bled, any number of cylinders can be bled at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Inventor: Leon Berger
  • Patent number: 6247487
    Abstract: A valve assembly 10 for use in a hydraulic circuit. Valve assembly 10 includes a generally hollow cylindrical member 12 and a pair of generally spherical sealing balls or members 14, 16, which are each movably disposed within member 12. Member 12 is operatively and communicatively connected to a first portion 24 and a second portion 26 of a hydraulic circuit. Members 14, 16 cooperate to allow gas to pass from portion 24 to portion 26, while substantially preventing gas from passing from portion 26 to portion 24 and substantially preventing fluid from passing from portion 24 to portion 26.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Tech., Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas S. Skill
  • Patent number: 6199574
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the discharge of fuel vapor and liquid fuel through an aperture formed in a fuel tank, comprising a housing adapted to be mounted in an aperture formed in a fuel tank and being formed to include a venting outlet, a valve positioned to lie in the housing and move between an opened position allowing flow of fuel vapor through the venting outlet formed in the housing and a closed position preventing flow of fuel vapor and liquid fuel through the venting outlet, and a valve actuator including a fluid actuator valve mover in the housing and an electronic liquid detector coupled to the valve mover, arranged to move the valve between the closed position and the opened position, the electronic liquid detector including a valve mover controller coupled to the valve mover to control fluid at said fluid actuated valve mover and an electronic liquid sensor coupled to the valve mover controller and positioned to lie in a fixed position relative to the housing to sense the presence of liquid fu
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Stant Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Harris
  • Patent number: 6165090
    Abstract: A hydraulic tensioner having a vent formed of stacked metal plates molded in a plastic vent disc. The vent permits escape of air from within the tensioner while inhibiting air ingestion during cycling and limiting oil leakage. The vent is located within the piston near the upper end of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Roger T. Simpson
  • Patent number: 6095178
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling the level of liquid in a closed cainer includes a block for mounting at an upper end of the container, a lower level electrode for extending from the block vertically into the container, an upper level electrode for extending from the block vertically into the container and shorter than the lower level electrode, a valve for venting gas from the container, and a motor for driving the valve. Electric circuitry is responsive to liquid in the container rising to a free end of the upper level electrode to activate the motor to close the valve to increase gas pressure in the container to force lowering of the level of the liquid, and further electrical circuitry is responsive to the liquid in the container dropping below a free end of the lower level electrode to activate the motor to open the valve to vent the container and reduce gas pressure therein to permit rising of the liquid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Paul A. Gilbert, Terry V. Jobe, Johnny Lee Morrow, Thomas Vertis McEwen
  • Patent number: 6080461
    Abstract: Solid disks of polyethylene oxide are radiation crosslinked to instill viscoelastic memory. The disks are then pierced with a needle, heated, cooled and the needle removed to form disks containing a flow orifice in each which upon contact with water will revert to solid disks. A disk with a flow orifice made as just described when used as a memory flow control valve in a conventional injection device will produce a syringe with a single-use, auto-destruct capability. When the disk is inserted in a retainer in the flow channel of the injection device, a drug/vaccine can be drawn into the syringe and then expelled for a preselected time less than six minutes before the water in the drug/vaccine causes the flow orifice in the disk to close, the disk then reverting to its solid shape due to its viscoelastic memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: John J. Wozniak, Michael C. Robertson
  • Patent number: 6047720
    Abstract: A bleeder valve comprising a housing including a sensor device of material which is optically denser than gas arranged between a light transmitter and a photo-electric receiver, at least one external surface of the sensor device being disposed in a space to which gas or hydraulic fluid is admitted; when gas is in contact with the external surface, light reaches the receiver and when hydraulic fluid is in contact with the surface, light does not reach the receiver, an output signal is generated by the receiver which causes a magnetic valve to open until gas is exhausted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: ASG Luftfahrttechnik und Sensorik GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Stein
  • Patent number: 5762093
    Abstract: A compact, lightweight, inexpensive surge restrictor for use in the fuel tank vent line of a marine craft includes a housing which defines a chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a baffle member disposed within a flow path through the chamber so that liquid passing therethrough impinges upon and is redirected to dissipate liquid momentum, and a movable closure member, which in response to a surge of liquid into the inlet, abates liquid flow through the surge restrictor. More specifically, the movable closure member is movable between a normal rest position wherein vapor and air can easily flow through the surge restrictor to allow venting and atmospheric pressure equalization within a fuel tank, and a liquid fuel surge arresting position wherein the closure member blocks a passageway in the flow path between the inlet and outlet of the surge restrictor to abate fluid flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Attwood Corporation
    Inventor: Warwick M. Whitley, II
  • Patent number: 5379795
    Abstract: A venting apparatus comprising a housing having a chamber, an inlet through which fluid can be supplied to the chamber, a liquid outlet through which liquid can leave the chamber and a gas vent through which gas can leave the chamber. The apparatus also includes a pivot arm and a valve element for opening and closing the gas vent to control the flow of gas through the gas vent. The valve element is carried by the pivot arm. A pivot device mounts the pivot arm for compound movement relative to the housing to move the valve element to open the gas vent. A first portion of the compound movement is about a first fulcrum and a second portion of a compound movement is bodily away from the gas vent and is different from the first portion of the compound movement. A float is mounted for movement in the chamber and is drivingly coupled to the pivot arm to drive the pivot arm to bring about such compound movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Shurflo Pump Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: E. Dale Hartley, F. Scott Hartley