Mechanical Cleaning Patents (Class 137/242)
  • Patent number: 11946190
    Abstract: A fluid circulation system of a washing machine appliance includes a wash tub configured for containing fluid during operation of the washing machine appliance and a drain pump positioned below the wash tub. The fluid circulation system also includes a hydraulically actuated diverter valve coupled to the drain pump. The diverter valve is in fluid communication with the drain pump and is downstream of the drain pump. The diverter valve is configured to selectively direct a flow of fluid from the drain pump to one of the wash tub or an outlet of the washing machine appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Fikreadam Abebe Damtew
  • Patent number: 11772139
    Abstract: A pipe cleaning assembly has a connection fixture having a body defining a cavity. A first aperture, opposing first auxiliary aperture coaxially aligned with the first aperture, second aperture, and opposing second auxiliary aperture coaxially aligned with the second aperture are in fluid communication with the cavity. A first connection flange extends from and surrounds the first aperture, a second connection flange extends from and surrounds the second aperture, a third connection flange extends from and surrounds the first auxiliary aperture, and a fourth connection flange extends from and surrounds the second auxiliary aperture. A bonnet is inserted through the second auxiliary aperture and is positioned within the cavity of the body and includes a generally cylindrical wall and a plurality of openings formed through the cylindrical wall to direct fluid flowing through the connection fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Michel K. Lovell, Bryan Q. Leger, Trenton F. Jackson
  • Patent number: 11725674
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes: a solenoid valve that includes a valve spool configured to slide within a housing, and moves the valve spool to a position corresponding to an operation command input to the solenoid valve; and a control device that outputs the operation command to the solenoid valve. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the control device outputs a continuously or intermittently changing operation command to the solenoid valve to reciprocate the valve spool from a full open position or a full closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideyasu Muraoka, Nobuyuki Kinoshita, Akihiro Kondo
  • Patent number: 11519509
    Abstract: A valve comprising a valve body including a first end and a second end spaced apart along a longitudinal axis, a central portion disposed between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end and the second end define a first flow passageway and a second flow passageway, respectively, and wherein the central portion defines an interior chamber, a stem rotatably supported by the valve body about a rotation axis, wherein the stem includes a polygonal end, and a disc disposed within the interior chamber and including a polygonal aperture to receive the polygonal end of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Crane ChemPharma & Energy Corp.
    Inventors: Mark Shorback, Jörg Massow, Venkatesh Sureshrao Kulkarni, Vishal Ambadas Chaudhari, Ranjit Narayan Bhalkar, Prashant Ramchandra Sangule, Samson Kay
  • Patent number: 11168652
    Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to a system and method of protecting vehicle engines by preventing water from entering the belt drive and/or air intake of the vehicle motor. The disclosed system includes a housing and one or more snorkels that extend in an upward direction from the housing. Each snorkel includes a water sensor that detects the level of water outside of the vehicle. When water reaches the snorkel maximum depth and triggers the sensor, valve within the housing closes to divert water away from the motor. Once the vehicle is back on dry land, the user can reset the valve to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Inventor: Dustin Laurence Massengill
  • Patent number: 11118695
    Abstract: Multiport valve with outlets transverse to the inlet useful as a coker switch valve. A sealed lower sleeve assembly provides semi-trunnion ball support. An upper part of the outlet seat recesses is formed in the bonnet, and a lower part in the valve body, which together bias a resilient member to load the seats, independently of end connections. Before bonnet assembly, when the ball is rotated to face a body outlet, there is sufficient space in the seat recesses to insert the seat, slide the seat onto the ball, and then insert the resilient member. When all the seats and resilient members are in place, engagement of the bonnet biases the upper part of the resilient members to load the seat. In valve operation, an enlarged ball outlet bore can straddle two outlet ports and maintain process media flow during switching. Also, methods of assembling, operating, and servicing the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Mogas Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Lewis Anderson, Asmaa Sadek Kassab, Phillip M. Inman
  • Patent number: 10982788
    Abstract: An actuator assembly includes a cylinder disposed in an actuator housing, the cylinder having a cylinder interior is in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid. A ram member has a piston head within the cylinder interior, and pressure on the piston head moves the ram member. An end of the ram member acts on a collar having a collar interior, and an end of a rod member is disposed within the collar interior. The rod member is displaceable relative to the collar such that the end of the rod member does not contact the collar. Accordingly, fluid in the cylinder interior acting on the ram member may expand due to thermal expansion without damaging a hard stop at an opposite end of the rod member and without losing system pressure by triggering a relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Emerson Process Management Valve Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: William K. LeBlanc, Jason T. Hoffbauer
  • Patent number: 10883458
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a fluid pump includes a valve body; a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet defined in the valve body; a valve seat; and an inlet disk disposed in the valve body having an inner portion, an outer portion fixed within the valve body, and a plurality of legs connected between the inner portion and the outer portion so that the inner portion is movable between a first position against the valve seat and a second position spaced apart from the valve seat. The connection between the legs, the inner portion and the outer portion provides a spring bias force to the inner portion against movement of the inner portion from the first position. The plurality of legs, the inner portion and the outer portion are configured such that the spring bias force is asymmetric as applied to the inner portion of the inlet disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Vitesco Technologies USA, LLC.
    Inventors: James Fochtman, John Walters, Tyler Craven
  • Patent number: 10663067
    Abstract: Slide valve, preferably for closing off a media conveying line, is provided with a housing having a through-opening, a slide plate that can be moved therein, as well as a sealing arrangement. This sealing arrangement is formed as a single piece from a profile that partially surrounds the through-opening, as well as from transverse longitudinal seals connected thereto. At the ends of the legs of the profile, on both sides, two longitudinal seals, arranged parallel to and spaced at a distance from one another, are connected to the lateral face of the profile. This one-piece sealing arrangement allows the slide valve to be manufactured and assembled simply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: SISTAG AG
    Inventor: Hans-Joerg Sidler
  • Patent number: 10663085
    Abstract: A subsea pipeline system may include a subsea pipeline station configured to establish fluid communication between a first pipeline and a second pipeline. The first pipeline may have a first diameter, and the second pipeline may have a second diameter different from the first diameter. Additionally, the subsea pipeline station may be configured to removably couple to one or more pig launching assemblies having different configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: ONESUBSEA IP UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Adriano F. Pinho, Akshay Kalia
  • Patent number: 10619757
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve having a control function and a method for controlling a valve in a fluid conduit in order to adapt flow rates and/or differential pressure rates. The valve comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a valve closing member located inside a valve body. The valve closing member is operationally connected to a variable volume chamber, which is adapted to extract energy from the fluid in order to provide either an opening or a closing displacement of the valve closing member such that the degree of opening of the valve can be changed. The supply of fluid to and from the variable volume chambers may be regulated by electronically controlled valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: IMI HYDRONIC ENGINEERING INTERNATIONAL SA
    Inventors: Claus Thybo, Slavko Lah, Gregor Bozic, Peter Volovec
  • Patent number: 10480682
    Abstract: An internal valve includes a valve stem disposed in a valve body, a poppet valve coupled to the stem, and a bleed valve coupled to the stem. The valve stem is shiftable from a first position in which the poppet valve and the bleed valve are closed, to a second position in which the bleed valve is open, and a third position in which the bleed valve is closed and the poppet valve is open, and the poppet may close in response to a pressure change. The internal valve includes a strainer having an extended portion to be positioned in a clearance space between an upper portion of the valve body and an opening of a fluid container. The strainer is arranged for securement to a mounting area of the valve body by at least one fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT REGULATOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: FeiFei Ji, Li Li, Jing Chen
  • Patent number: 10458366
    Abstract: A venting apparatus is provided for regulating discharge of fuel vapor from a fuel tank and admission of outside air into the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Stant USA Corp.
    Inventors: Michael S. Brock, Kevin L. Young, John Brian Anderson
  • Patent number: 10436331
    Abstract: A seal with a wedging element for adjustably compressing the seal. The seal abuts a surface, such as a gate of a gate valve, to seal against the surface with a sealing force that prevents fluid flow therebetween. The sealing force of the seal may be increasing or decreasing compression by adjusting the wedging mechanism. For example, as the seal wears away due to friction between the seal and a sliding gate, the compression may be increased in the wedging mechanism to increase the sealing force to a low threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignees: Parker-Hannifin Corporation, Weir Slurry Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Richard Frye, Richard J. Fecho
  • Patent number: 10343182
    Abstract: A dispensing unit (100) for controlling flow of a substance (101) comprises a nozzle (102) and a plug (110). The nozzle comprises an outlet (122) and a channel (104) that comprises a longitudinal symmetry axis (130), a sealing surface (106), and an alcove surface (108), contiguous with the sealing surface (106) and outwardly recessed relative to the sealing surface (106); and a plug (110). The plug (110) comprises a wall (112) that comprises an outer surface (114) and that also comprises a first aperture (116), fully penetrating the wall (112) through the outer surface (114) of the wall (112) of the plug (110). The outer surface (114) of the wall (112), comprising the first aperture (116), is complementary with the sealing surface (106) of the channel (104). The plug (110) is movable in the channel (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John Walter Pringle, IV, Jose G. Trujillo Rojas
  • Patent number: 10274088
    Abstract: Some embodiments may include a closure element for a vacuum valve that may be configured, for example, for the gastight closing of a process volume by means of cooperation with a vacuum valve opening of the vacuum valve. In some embodiments, the closure element may include a first sealing surface, corresponding to a second sealing surface of the vacuum valve opening, wherein the second sealing surface surrounds the vacuum valve opening, and a sealing material vulcanized onto the first sealing surface and in accordance with its course and having a defined height in the direction of the surface normal of the first sealing surface. In some embodiments, the sealing material may have a defined shape with respect to a sealing material cross section, comprising a first seal portion, provided on the process volume side, and a second seal portion, provided, in particular, facing away from the process volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: VAT HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Jürgen Bestebner
  • Patent number: 10234035
    Abstract: A regulating valve has a gland portion slidably holding a valve stem and the gland portion includes a lid member having a first through-hole into which the valve stem is inserted, gland packings disposed on a spacer provided between the inner wall of the first through-hole and the valve stem, a packing follower in which a first cylindrical portion is connected concentrically to a second cylindrical portion having an outer diameter smaller than the first cylindrical portion, disc springs laminated with each other on the first cylindrical portion to surround the second cylindrical portion of the packing follower, and a packing flange having a second through-hole into which the second cylindrical portion of the packing follower is inserted, the packing flange being disposed on the disc springs, the packing flange being fixed to the packing follower by fitting the second cylindrical portion to the second through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Azbil Corporation
    Inventor: Masashi Nitta
  • Patent number: 10161777
    Abstract: A utility flow meter including a valve having a pressure vessel providing a flow path from a meter inlet to a meter outlet through the valve is magnetically driven. The meter includes a valve member positioned within the valve in the pressure vessel for movement between an open position allowing normal flow through the flow meter and a flow restriction position in which flow through the flow meter is limited to less than the normal flow and an electrically operable control device for controlling movement of the valve member including a dry-side magnet assembly and a wet-side magnet assembly. The electrically operable control device receives command signals to rotate the dry-side magnet assembly to move the valve member and thereby increase or decrease flow through the metering chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Badger Meter, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Stuyvenberg, Matthew Dellemann
  • Patent number: 9958073
    Abstract: A throttle valve is provided. The throttle valve includes a throttle valve body, a valve plug, a hollow seal and a first scraper. A flow path is formed in the throttle valve body. The valve plug is disposed in the throttle valve body. A notch is formed on the valve plug. By rotating the valve plug, the position of the notch is changed, and the degree of opening of the flow path is modified. The hollow seal is disposed in the throttle valve body. An abutting portion is formed on the hollow seal, and the abutting portion sealably abuts the valve plug. The first scraper is disposed on the valve plug. When the valve plug is rotated, the first scraper abuts the abutting portion to clean the abutting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: VANGUARD INTERNATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Reunn-Chang Yang
  • Patent number: 9845891
    Abstract: A system includes a split gate valve with first and second gate sections coupled together and configured to move together within a cavity of the split gate valve between an open position and a closed position. The split gate valve includes a rolling actuator to reduce friction and to convert a rotational input into a linear motion to move the first and second gate sections between the open and closed positions. The split gate valve also includes at least one expansion bar configured to bias the first and second gate sections from one another to seal against opposite seats of the split gate valve, wherein each expansion bar includes a spring mechanism configured to compress upon moving the first and second gate sections into and beyond the closed position to prevent buckling of the expansion bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Loc Gia Hoang, S. Mark Svoboda
  • Patent number: 9816618
    Abstract: Valve assembly (10) comprises two valve portions, an upper and lower valve portion (12,24), each having a valve housing indicated generally at (16,18) which are generally annular and a valve closure member (20,20?) which is pivotally mounted within the housing. The valve closure member (20,20?) is in the form of an annular disc and is provided with spindles (22,22?) by means of which the valve closure member is pivotally mounted within the housing. The valve closure member (20,20?) and the spindles (22,22?) are machined from a single piece of metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Chargepoint Technology Limited
    Inventor: Lee Yates
  • Patent number: 9816633
    Abstract: A depressurization system for an electrical transformer includes a pressure release assembly configured to be in fluid communication with a chamber of the electrical transformer. The pressure release assembly includes a rupture pin valve. The system may include an evacuation assembly having a blast chamber. The rupture pin valve includes a pin configured to buckle in response to a predetermined pressure applied to a surface of the rupture pin valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Sentry Depressurization Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Kendrick
  • Patent number: 9777845
    Abstract: A conduit slider for chemical and petrochemical systems, comprising a slider housing (10) which has a blockable conduit (20) and at least one slider plate (30) which can be moved into an open position and a closed position and vice versa. A sealing seat (40) is paired with the conduit (20), said sealing seat extending along the circumference of the conduit (20) and sealing against the slider plate (30) at least in the closed position during operation. The conduit slider ensures the seal between the sealing seat (40) and the slider plate (30) and allows the slider plate (30) to be installed into and removed from the slider housing (10) with a compact, portable, simple, and inexpensive design. This is achieved in that at least one circumferential groove (42) is formed in the sealing seat (40), a molded metal ring (50) with a media filling being arranged in said groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Z&J Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Krieger, Metin Gerceker, Roland Travnicek
  • Patent number: 9427839
    Abstract: A lapping tool for lapping sealing surfaces of a fitting used in a gas turbine. The tool includes a shaft having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis. A removable handle is attached to the first end and is oriented in a direction transverse to the axis. The tool also includes a removable lapping insert having an outwardly extending attachment portion that is attached to the second end of the shaft. The lapping insert includes a lapping surface which corresponds to the shape of a sealing surface of the fitting. In one embodiment, the lapping insert includes a cavity for receiving a cone portion of a fitting. Alternatively, the lapping insert includes a projection for insertion into a receptacle portion of a fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.
    Inventor: Harald W. Breitkopf
  • Patent number: 9404586
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve device and to a method for transferring a transfer medium, said valve device and method having an inflow, an outflow and two valve disks which are arranged one behind another in the direction of flow and are pivotable about a common rotational axis for opening and closing the lumen which surrounds them, wherein the inflow and the outflow are formed by two housing sections which are lockable together, the ends of which facing one another receive in each case a valve disk with a fixedly connected half-shaft, wherein, with the housing sections in the locked state, the two half-shafts form one common shaft which is pivotable about the rotational axis and the valve disks abut closely against one another, and wherein, with the housing sections in the non-locked state, the valve disks in each case close the lumen of the housing section receiving them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH
    Inventor: Bernhard Diel
  • Patent number: 9371919
    Abstract: A high pressure fluid system including enhanced safety, maintenance and servicing features. The system can include a CAM assembly module, having a valve seat assembly, seal cartridge assembly and inlet manifold, that is easily installed in and removed from a frame and/discharge manifold as a single unit. A discharge manifold can isolate different pressure rated passageways of the system, and multiple rupture discs associated with the same. A discharge manifold end plate can be included to provide ease of repair of discharge outlets and to establish a plumbing system for the rupture discs. A quick coupler can facilitate connection between a plunger of the seal cartridge assembly and a cross head stub connected to a power frame. A lubrication valve assembly can provide and meter lubrication from a high pressure inlet source to a plunger and packing of the seal cartridge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: PSI Pressure Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Jamie A. Forrest, Todd A. Shawver
  • Patent number: 9314824
    Abstract: Powder and deposition control in a throttle valve includes nozzle inserts in the valve body that form annular plenums and annular nozzles for injecting annular flows of cleaning gas adjacent to the inside wall surface of the valve body for cleaning powders and depositions off surfaces in the valve body and off the closure member of the throttle valve. The annular flows of cleaning gas can be in intermittent, periodic, or in pulsed bursts or at a steady-state flow rates to dislodge powder particles stuck to the inside surface of the throttle valve, to etch or reactively clean solid deposits, or to prevent or minimize build-up of powder particles or solid deposits in the throttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Youfan Gu, Matthew C. Grout
  • Patent number: 9303548
    Abstract: A diesel engine fluid reservoir system having a reservoir of diesel exhaust fluid in thermal communication with a heating element, a first conduit for the flow of engine coolant fluid to the heating element, a temperature sensor disposed to sense ambient temperature and/or a temperature of the diesel exhaust fluid, a controller communicatively coupled to the temperature sensor and communicatively coupled to a sprung gate valve included in the first conduit. The gate valve has a no-flow position and a flow position for control of the flow of engine coolant and includes an endless elastic band sandwiched between a first gate member and a second gate member each defining an opening therethrough alignable with the first conduit in the flow position. In response to a sensed temperature at which the diesel exhaust fluid is frozen, the controller signals the gate valve to be in the flow position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignees: Dayco IP Holdings, LLC, TLX Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dave Fletcher, Brian M. Graichen, Matt Gilmer, James H. Miller, Jeff Rogala
  • Patent number: 9168571
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlled access to pressurized fluid lines and to exhausted lines. The apparatus includes a rod body having a bore; a packing fitting attached to a first end of the rod body and a ball valve attached to a second end of the rod body; a transverse arm between the first and second ends of the rod body, the transverse arm having a bore communicating the rod body bore; and a slideable rod in the bore of the rod body, in a first position of the rod a first end extends through the packing fitting to outside of the rod body and a second end is completely within the rod body, in a second position of the rod the first end extends through the packing fitting to outside of the rod body and the second end of the rod extends through and past the ball valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Robert Desrosiers, Mousa H. Ishaq, Robert L. Jourdain, Michael Lunn, Donald A. Martin
  • Publication number: 20150136240
    Abstract: Method for cleaning the conveying pipe of a pneumatic material conveying system, such as of a waste conveying system, and/or for conveying material that is in the piping, in which method at least one cleaning member is fed into a conveying pipe, and a pressure difference is achieved in the pipe and under the influence of the pressure difference the cleaning member is brought to move for cleaning the pipe, and/or for conveying material, in the conveying pipe section intended to be cleaned. In the method a cleaning member or a combination of a number of cleaning members is moved in the conveying piping, and that the cleaning member or combination of a number of cleaning members is connected to a transmission member, with which the movement of the cleaning member or combination of a number of cleaning members in the conveying piping is limited or guided. The object of the invention is also a cleaning apparatus and a system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: MARICAP OY
    Inventor: Göran Sundholm
  • Publication number: 20140290754
    Abstract: A system for flameless heating, wherein the system includes a modular flameless heating unit located on a singular skid. The modular flameless heating unit includes an internal combustion engine, a dynamic heat generator operatively connected to the internal combustion engine. Further, the system includes a pump being responsive to the operation of the internal combustion engine, whereby the pump is configured to provide a discharged fluid to the dynamic heat generator. Further still, the system includes a process outlet transfers the heat into a wellbore in order to affect removability of one or more deposits disposed within the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Rusty Lamb, James B. Crawford, John Bibaeff, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140261737
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a gate valve include a valve body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface and the outer surface defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid path therebetween, a track defined in the inner surface, the track defining a bottom surface; a gate having a wing; a scraper having a leading edge, the scraper mounted to the wing of the gate; a biasing element, the biasing element biasing the leading edge of the scraper against the bottom surface of the track.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MUELLER INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph William Vanderburg, Jared Aaron Brandt, Carlos Stephen Moreno
  • Patent number: 8813770
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pig assembly for maintaining a functional line for conveying fluid. In one aspect, the pig assembly includes a larger diameter pig having an internal compartment and at least one smaller diameter pig adapted to fit therein. The larger diameter pig is capable of passing through a larger diameter functional line and the smaller diameter pig is capable of passing through a smaller diameter functional line. In another aspect, a method for maintaining a functional line for conveying fluid is provided which includes pigging a subsea line having at least a larger diameter functional line and a smaller diameter functional line in fluid communication with one another using a pig assembly as described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Farzan Parsinejad, Antonio Carlos Falcao Critsinelis, Sid A. Mebarkia, Christopher Allen Kassner
  • Patent number: 8544134
    Abstract: A kit for cleaning clogged conduits and thruhole fitting valves in water intake systems of pleasure boats, fishing boats, yacht and small marine craft includes a hollow, substantially cylindrical male hose coupler connected to a nipple or elbow joined with the valve, and at least one of a cap and plug having a central orifice to receive a shaft of larger diameter able to be force-fitted through the orifice, the coupler and the valve when opened, and of a strength sufficient to force-free any matter clogging the input hose to the valve from acceptable performance usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Edward J. Del Rosso
  • Patent number: 8539673
    Abstract: A method for machining a sealing seat of a shut-off valve in a power generating or industrial plant. An upper valve part and the internal housing fittings are removed from the housing of the shut-off valve to thereby expose a housing opening. A clamping device with a counter-bearing is introduced through the housing opening into the connection pipe and fastened to its inner wall. A machine tool with a bearing is introduced through the housing opening and mounted with its bearing on the counter-bearing. A machining step is carried out with the machine tool on the sealing seat. Then the machine tool is detached and removed through the housing opening. The clamping device is detached from the connection pipe and removed through the housing opening. Then, the upper valve part and the internal fittings are reattached to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Areva GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfried Gügel, Karl-Heinz Herzing, Josef Sprehe, Volker Wurzer
  • Patent number: 8454126
    Abstract: A print head includes a fluid cavity and nozzle in fluid communication with the fluid cavity. A stopper is positioned adjacent the nozzle and adapted to control flow of fluid through the nozzle. An arm supports the stopper and is configured to pivotally move the stopper with respect to the nozzle. An electromagnet is positioned adjacent the arm and configured to move the arm toward the electromagnet to open the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Martin McNestry
  • Patent number: 8360250
    Abstract: An elongated filter disposed over a metering passage of a valve. A rotor is rotatably mounted over the filter and includes a scraping surface positioned along the length of the filter. As water enters the valve, the rotor rotates, causing the scraping surface to scrape off any debris along the length of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Quynh Nguyen, Huong Tran
  • Patent number: 8327870
    Abstract: A slide valve for blocking a line conveying media includes a multi-part housing having a passage opening and in which a slider plate operable by a drive component is moved longitudinally. To both sides of the slider plate, laterally to its direction of movement, a respective longitudinal seal is disposed above the passage opening in a longitudinal groove in the housing. Each longitudinal seal has an elastic sealing profile and bars adjacent to the latter. Each elastic sealing profile is preferably provided on the front side with two sealing lips spaced apart from one another, touching the slider plate, and in the central region with groove-shaped chambers on both sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: SISTAG AG Absperrtechnik
    Inventor: Hans-Jorg Sidler
  • Publication number: 20120291877
    Abstract: A gate valve including a valve body having a bore there-through, a gate moveable through the bore for blocking and unblocking flow through the bore, a moveable stem coupled to the gate for moving the gate between a first position blocking flow through the bore and a second position not blocking flow through the bore, and a scraper for scraping at least a portion of an outer surface of the stem when the stem is moving for moving the gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Robert K. Meek
  • Patent number: 8296892
    Abstract: A kit for cleaning clogged conduits and thruhole fitting valves in water intake systems of pleasure boats, fishing boats and yacht marine craft includes a hollow, substantially cylindrical male hose coupler connected to a nipple or elbow joined with the valve, and an open-end cap having a flexible, resilient press-fitted inner gasket configured with a central orifice to receive a shaft of larger diameter able to be force-fitted through the cap, the coupler and the valve when opened, and of a strength sufficient to force-free any matter clogging the input hose to the valve from acceptable performance usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventor: Edward J. Del Rosso
  • Patent number: 8297303
    Abstract: A self cleaning valve assembly includes a valve body having an internal valve cavity. A cylinder member received in the valve cavity has a first sealing surface and a cylinder wall, and divides the valve cavity into a liquid-free cavity portion and a flow cavity portion. A spindle includes a spindle body contacting the first sealing surface to continuously prevent pressurized fluid in the flow cavity portion from entering the liquid-free cavity portion. A spindle piston end has a wiper member in a receiving groove frictionally contacting the cylinder wall. A handle pinned to the valve assembly directly contacts the piston end. Handle rotation displaces the spindle from a valve closed to a valve open position permitting pressurized fluid flow into the flow cavity portion. The wiper member wipes a contaminant off the cylinder wall and further prevents contaminant entrance into the liquid-free cavity portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Paul M. DeSantis, Ryan D. Carignan
  • Patent number: 8251086
    Abstract: A rotary gate valve includes first and second opposing housing members having coaxial pathways and defining a gate channel when joined together. A gate is positioned within the gate channel when the valve is in a closed position to prevent media from flowing through the pathways and rotationally displaced from the channel when the valve is in an open position to allow media to flow through the pathways. First and second annular primary sealing sleeves are disposed within the first and second housing members and are adapted to sealingly engage each other when the valve is in the open position, and with the gate valve when the valve is in the closed position. A secondary sealing member is disposed around an upper portion of the gate and secured between the housing members above the first and second annular primary sealing sleeves to prevent process media from entering the housing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Tyco Valves & Controls, LP
    Inventors: Johnny Ellis, David Gambetta, John Muran, Viet Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8074672
    Abstract: An ejector is provided for an induction system in a vibratory system generating vibration, including a dust ejector for an air induction system of an internal combustion engine. An ejection valve is provided by an inertial mass inertially activated and driven by the vibration to discharge contaminant from the induction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark V. Holzmann, Kaarthik Venkataraman, Jim L. Alonzo, Robert A. Bannister
  • Patent number: 8074671
    Abstract: A self-cleaning valve assembly is provided, such as for use in a vacuum cleaner such as a particularly advantageous vacuum cleaner system that has at least two filters and self-cleans its filters via back-flushing, without needing to stop normal operation to self-clean. Also, a vacuum cleaner is provided that uses permanent, self-cleaning filters, and does not need disposable filters or filter bags, and advantageously can use inexpensive plastic bags. In another vacuum cleaner system, waste is collected in an ordinary plastic bag without any special preparation or modification of the bag being needed. Further, an inventive self-cleaning X-valve assembly cleans itself and is useable in the vacuum cleaner system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignees: Applied Magnetics Lab., Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Castronovo, Drew B. Peroni
  • Patent number: 7950410
    Abstract: A gate valve includes a valve body having a cylindrical passage defining a flow path through the valve, a gate for controlling fluid flow through the valve and a replaceable wear-resistant flow-path liner for in the flow path. The flow-path liner includes a plurality of replaceable wear-resistant inserts, including wear sleeves lining ports of the valve body, valve seats and a gate insert for a flow path bore through the gate. Each replaceable valve seat has a wiper ring for cleaning the gate when it opens and closes. By regularly inspecting and replacing worn-out inserts, the service life of the gate valve can be prolonged and the expense associated with replacing or rebuilding the valve body is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob McGuire, L. Murray Dallas
  • Patent number: 7891372
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an anti-contamination arrangement for a valve having a valve housing, a bushing positioned in the valve housing, a valve member including a valve shaft and a valving portion operable for engaging a valve seat, slidably disposed through the bushing, and a supply port operably associated with the valve member. The valve also includes a control chamber controlled by the valving portion, and a valve seat positioned between the supply port and the control chamber. The valve member is operably associated with the valve seat for controlling the flow of fluid from the supply port to the control chamber upon the movement of the valve member in relation to the valve seat. There is also an anti-contamination arrangement positioned between the bushing and the valve shaft for collecting and removing contamination from the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian K. Stefina
  • Patent number: 7694934
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve is disclosed that is adapted to reduce debris in the flow paths, reduce the water hammer effect, reduce the energy lost during flow, and/or improve bleed operation. The diaphragm valve includes at least two seals that are configured to permit multi-stage sealing of an opening in a diaphragm valve seat. The initial sealing stage blocks some but not all fluid flow through the opening, and the final sealing stage blocks fluid flow through the opening. The use of two sealing stages can reduce the water hammer effect by increasing the time over which sealing occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin M. Irwin
  • Publication number: 20090321077
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus utilized to form foam pigs in-situ are provided. The in-situ generated foam pigs may be used for a number of purposes, including, but not limited to, commissioning or operational pigging. Further, the in-situ generated foam pigs may be used in a variety of type flowlines, including, but not limited to production or transportation pipelines used to carry hydrocarbons from subsea wells over long distances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: David A. Norman
  • Publication number: 20090250118
    Abstract: A self-cleaning bleeder valve comprises an annular housing that is mounted in an opening in a pressure vessel, and a valve member that screws into the housing for movement toward and away from an orifice opening in the housing. The valve member includes a gasket seal and orifice drill at an inner end of the valve member. The orifice is positioned such that when the valve member is screwed into the annular housing, the drill extends through the orifice, automatically cleaning the orifice while restricting the rate of gas flow out of the orifice to the space between the drill and the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: Marshall Excelsior Company
    Inventor: James C. Zuck
  • Publication number: 20090229673
    Abstract: A solenoid valve control apparatus has a solenoid valve having first and second solenoid valves that output first and second solenoid pressures respectively, a pressure regulation valve that works with the first and second solenoid pressures being working signal pressures, and a foreign matter removal control means that removes a foreign matter that adheres to a valve open/close portion of the solenoid valve. Each of the first and second solenoid valves has a solenoid coil that drives a plunger inside the solenoid valve in accordance with an application current. The foreign matter removal control means is configured so that when applying the rectangular-wave current, which performs a reciprocating movement of the plunger and removes the foreign matter, to the solenoid coil of one solenoid valve of the first and second solenoid valves, a current application to the solenoid coil of the other solenoid valve, by which the solenoid pressure becomes a maximum pressure range, is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Youji Tabuchi, Nobufumi Yamane, Hiroki Taniguchi