Cleaning Member Reciprocates In Passage Patents (Class 137/244)
  • Patent number: 11441697
    Abstract: A ball valve for use in industrial pipelines is described. The ball valve includes: a valve body; an inlet closure piece attached to the valve body; an outlet closure piece, the valve body, the inlet closure piece, and the outlet closure piece together defining an interior cavity; a ball disposed in the interior cavity, the ball defining a bore extending through the ball; a valve seat adjacent the ball; a first strain sensor mounted on the inlet closure piece; a second strain sensor mounted on the outlet closure piece; a seat misalignment sensor system including a ring sensor and a magnetized insert ring disposed in the valve seat; and an electronic controller system in communication with the first strain sensor and the second strain sensor, the electronic control system configured: to estimate the position of a pig passing through the valve; and to identify valve seat misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Pablo Daniel Genta, Essam Ahmed Al-Arfaj
  • Patent number: 11167221
    Abstract: A double liquid distribution device (1) suitable for use in in a fractionating or wash column (10) including a high collector tray (2) connected to a manifold support (7) via at least two longitudinal liquid downflow ducts (5, 6), the manifold support (7) supporting at least two series of transverse tubular manifolds (8, 8a 8b) and serving to feed liquid respectively to the first series of manifolds (8a) via a first longitudinal duct (5) and to the second series of manifolds (8b) via a second longitudinal duct (6), each manifold (8, 8a 8b) including distribution orifices (8c) in its under face that are suitable for distributing the liquid onto the top face of the packing bed (9). The two longitudinal liquid downflow ducts (5, 6) are connected together in a low portion (5b, 6b) by a communication device (11) fitted with a valve (12) having controlled opening that is suitable for allowing the liquid to be transferred between the two longitudinal ducts in a controlled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: SAIPEM S.P.A.
    Inventors: Bertrand Duparc, Benjamin Rodier, Boris Bolosier
  • Patent number: 11112025
    Abstract: A water valve, guide tube for a water valve, and associated method are provided. The water valve includes a housing and the guide tube is installed on the housing via laser welding. The guide tube and housing each provide axially facing mating surfaces which abut one another in a pre-bonded configuration. In a post-bonded configuration, a laser weld joint is formed at the interface between the mating surfaces. The joint forms a portion of an outer periphery of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventors: Shane Duncan Bartow, Paul Charles Berkley, James E. Pearson
  • Patent number: 11002406
    Abstract: A coupling for pressure lines, having a housing (10) which has a continuous conveying duct (12) for a pressurised medium and can be connected by one end to a pressure source and attached by the opposite end to a connection nipple (30), and having retaining jaws (136) which are arranged around the mouth of the conveying duct opening into the connection nipple (30) and which can be fixed by a locking mechanism in a position in which they engage around the connection nipple (30), in which the retaining jaws (36) are each supported on a pivot bearing (38) and have, at the end remote from the connection nipple (30), beyond pivot bearing (38), an actuating arm (42) which can be actuated, in order to close the retaining jaws (36), by a piston (44) subjected to the pressure of the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventors: Thomas Salomon, Frank Maser
  • Patent number: 10962121
    Abstract: A valve and associated components and methods, and a container including such a valve. The valve can include a flow guide to guide flow of material away from a sealing engagement between sealing members of the valve. The flow guide assists in preventing ingress of material between the sealing members to maintain proper function of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Perimeter Solutions LP
    Inventors: Darrell Clark Fee, Robert J. Dodson, Jr., Frank H. Parker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10794593
    Abstract: A vaporization pipe for a kerosene lamp has an oil tube, a thermally conductive tube, and a first passage. The oil tube is made of steel and has a vaporization jet on a top of the oil tube. The thermally conductive tube is mounted in the oil tube and forms a first channel. The first passage is disposed between the oil tube and the thermally conductive tube. The steel oil tube can prevent the vaporization pipe from being softened and bent during the preheating of vaporization pipe or burning of the kerosene, and thus a useful lifetime of the vaporization pipe is prolonged. The thermally conductive tube is made of high-thermal-conductivity material for keeping the vaporization pipe with adequate thermal conductivity and improving a burning rate of kerosene. The first passage allows the kerosene to flow upward, preventing the kerosene from being vaporized incompletely because the kerosene is over pressurized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventors: Po-Kai Tsao, Chih-Fang Lee
  • Patent number: 10710108
    Abstract: A coating system for coating objects with a coating material includes at least one material source for a coating material, which can be fluidically connected to an application device. A feed system can be used for feeding coating material back to its material source in a feeding-back direction over a feed path. It can be determined by means of a detection device whether coating material or some other material is present in a control portion of the feed path, the detection device generating a corresponding output signal. Also specified is a method for coating objects in which it is determined during the feeding back of coating material to its material source whether regions made up of material other than the coating material are being carried along by the coating material to be fed back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: EISENMANN SE
    Inventors: Stephan Schwab, Tobias Mozer
  • Patent number: 10413917
    Abstract: A shower assembly includes a panel and a stopper movable between a first position and a second position. The panel includes a first region having a plurality of first openings passing through the panel and a second region having a plurality of second openings passing through the panel. When the stopper is in the first position, water provided to the shower assembly is permitted to pass through the plurality of first openings but is prevented from passing through the plurality of second openings. When the stopper is in the second position, water provided to the shower assembly is permitted to pass through the plurality of second openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventors: Rafael Alfredo Rexach, Stephanie Szemetylo, David J. Richter-O'Connell, Jeffrey James Elsesser, James S. Giefer
  • Patent number: 10393283
    Abstract: A gap control device that works with a plug on a valve assembly for use in high-temperature applications. The plug may include two parts and a compressible seal that, when compressed, engages with an adjacent wall of a cylinder or “cage” typical of a trim assembly. In one embodiment, the gap control device forms a hard stop that expands in response to high temperatures. This feature prevents excess over-travel between the two parts of the plug in the high-temperature applications so as to limit stress and wear on the compressible seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Dresser, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Henry Cunningham
  • Patent number: 10301973
    Abstract: A device for retaining drained fluids for a propulsive assembly includes a cavity for storing the drained fluids and two walls mounted at the opening of said cavity. The cavity has a fluid storage volume V1 when the device is in a substantially vertical position, and each wall is configured such as to define a fluid storage volume (V2 and V3 respectively) in the cavity when the device is in a substantially horizontal position, each of the volumes V2 and V3 being at least equal to the volume V1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Safran Aircraft Engines
    Inventors: Alexandre Leon, Gilles Brun
  • Patent number: 10274096
    Abstract: A touch faucet contains: a body, a temperature control valve, a water control valve, and an actuation member. The body includes an inlet segment, an outlet segment, and a first cavity which has a first hole. The temperature control valve is housed in the first cavity and includes a water inflow portion configured to flow cold water and hot water, a mixing chamber in which the cold water and the hot water are mixed to form a mixing water, and a water outflow portion configured to flow the mix water. The water control valve includes an operation post touched to turn on the water control valve, such that the mixing water flows into the water outflow portion from the mixing chamber, and the actuation member partially exposes outside the body so as to be operated by a user to drive the operation post to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Huiling Chiu, Chiahua Yuan, Yiping Lin
  • Patent number: 9839923
    Abstract: The showerhead has a hollow body (10) provided with an inlet nozzle (11) and with a sieve (C) perforated by holes (13) and a cleaning device (40) carrying a plurality of lower pins (41) and displaceable, in the interior of the hollow body (10), between an inoperative position, with the pins (41) spaced from the sieve (C), and an operative position, with each pin (41) introduced into one hole (13) of the sieve (C) and defining at least one water outlet with the hole (13). A driving element (50) is associated with the inlet nozzle (11) and is affixed to the cleaning device (40), in order to maintain it in the inoperative position, while the hydraulic pressure in the inlet nozzle (11) is less than a reference value and displacing the cleaning device (40) to the operative position, when the hydraulic pressure reaches the reference value. A biasing element (60) displaces the driving element (50) and the cleaning means (40) to the inoperative position, when the hydraulic pressure is lower than the reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: FABRIMAR S/A INDUSTRIA E COMERCIO
    Inventor: Carlos Augusto Ramos De Barros
  • Patent number: 9732859
    Abstract: A fluid valve includes a valve body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet connected by a fluid passageway. A valve seat is disposed within the fluid passageway. A fluid control member is movably disposed within the fluid passageway, the fluid control member cooperating with a trim assembly to control fluid flow through the fluid passageway. The trim assembly includes a cage having a plurality of openings that characterize fluid flowing through the cage and a plurality of vents that suppress noise generated by the plurality of openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J. Eilers, Allen C. Fagerlund
  • Patent number: 9677254
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a single-lever faucet is configured to control a flow rate of water and has a valve body, a valve cartridge, and a valve stem. A flow control assembly is operatively connected to the valve assembly and constructed to attach to a faucet handle. The flow control assembly includes a valve stem, a handle actuator that operates the valve stem to control the flow rate of the water, a gear assembly, and a biasing member. Moving the handle actuator to the water-on position from the neutral position increments the valve stem to an open valve position. The handle actuator automatically returns to a neutral position with the water flowing after the user pivots the handle actuator to a water-on position, and automatically returns to the neutral position with no water flowing after the user pivots the handle actuator to the water-off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: SensiTap, LLC
    Inventors: Jay Prabhakar, Ron Magers, George H. Ciolfi, Steven J. Gordon
  • Patent number: 9457362
    Abstract: An overhead showerhead enabling auto-cleaning of nozzle openings thereof; the overhead showerhead has a showerhead shell and a water ejection surface front cover removably connected with each other; a plurality of nozzles are provided on the water ejection surface front cover; a first cavity is provided inside the showerhead shell; a water ejection device, a cleaning disc and a driving device for driving the cleaning disc to move up and down are provided inside the first cavity; the cleaning disc is provided with a plurality of cleaning rods; positioning of the cleaning rods corresponds to positioning of the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: AQUAmate Sanitary Ware Europe Ltd
    Inventor: Jason Siu ming Chan
  • Patent number: 9422676
    Abstract: A fluid delivery device for an injection device for introducing a fluid into a work chamber of a ground milling machine, comprising a fluid supply chamber having at least one outlet opening, the outlet opening being closable by a linearly displaceable tappet. The tappet includes an opening region in which it has a smaller cross-sectional area than the minimum cross-sectional area of the outlet opening, and a tappet head for the closure of the outlet opening, the tappet head having a cross-sectional area that includes the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening. Further, the fluid delivery device comprises a displacement device for moving the tappet between a closed position, in which the outlet opening is closed by the tappet, and an open position, in which the outlet opening is open for delivering fluid outward out of the fluid supply chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: BOMAG GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Huhn
  • Patent number: 9267608
    Abstract: Delayed valve of the type comprising a water entrance (2), a water exit (3), a plunger (6) supporting a shutter (5) and comprising a tubular tail (8) passing through the seat (4) in a sealed manner and comprising, at least, an opening (9) through which water can penetrate when the shutter is moved away from its seat and an exit opening (8a), characterized in that the raising of the shutter is controlled by the pressing down of a pressing button (10) the internal end of which is conformed to obturate the exit opening (8a) of the tail (8), said pressing button being submitted to the action of a counter spring (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: LES ROBINETS PRESTO
    Inventor: Daniel Dutheil
  • Patent number: 9151392
    Abstract: A valve for a product-guiding processing plant comprises a housing, in which a closure member and a closure member seat are arranged. The closure member seat is provided on a cylindrical inner wall of a housing portion of the housing. The closure member has a sealing element, which cooperates in a sealing manner with the closure member seat in a closed position of the closure member. The closure member is displaceable in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the housing between an open position, in which the sealing element is distanced from the closure member seat, and the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Pentair Südmo GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Deger, Frank Neuhauser
  • Patent number: 9073101
    Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus can be used for unplugging a component of a hydrocarbon transportation or storage unit. Embodiments can include a main body, which can have a central passage through a length of the main body; a secondary passage transverse to the central passage; and a connector end operable to connect the body to the component. Embodiments of the apparatus can also include a valve in fluid communication with the secondary passage, a pressure gauge in fluid communication with the valve, a system connector in fluid communication with the valve, operable to connect the apparatus to a dosed system, and a poker rod operable to move within the central passage of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Saleh H. Al-Shammari
  • Patent number: 8869817
    Abstract: A sealing and drainage device for a motor vehicle transmission is located in a wall approximately near the bottom of the transmission housing and includes a ball and a plate that encloses the ball in a bore through the housing wall. The plate has an opening on which the ball sits under normal operating conditions. During unexpected flooding conditions, water flows through the opening into the bore. The ball floats on the water such that as the water rises in the bore, the ball rises as well to the top of the bore to seal the bore from the interior of the housing, preventing water from flowing into the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Henryk Sowul, Kristopher Villegas
  • Patent number: 8800584
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatic barrel pig launcher with an actuated ball valve and a rotating magazine that contains one or more pigs. The automatic barrel pig launcher comprises a plate bore, bottom plate bore, upper case bore, and throughbore of a ball that, when aligned, provide loading of the pig into the throughbore of the ball. The pig is launched by opening the ball valve. Also disclosed herein are systems and methods of use of the automatic barrel pig launcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Array Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason McNabney, Brandon Marbach
  • Patent number: 8714175
    Abstract: A pressure relief system for depressurizing a bottled pressure vessel. In one embodiment, the system includes a pressure relief device having a hollow outer member coupled to a fluid port in the vessel and an inner member at least partially disposed in and movably supported by the outer member. The system may further include a rupture disk disposed in the port between the vessel interior and exterior. In operation, the outer member remains stationary while the inner member is advanceable therein towards the pressure vessel. In one embodiment, the inner member includes a piercing element which is projectable to penetrate the rupture disk and into the vessel interior through material deposits that may obstruct the fluid port thereby releasing captive pressure in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Separations, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Fetner, Rolf Schlake, Ernie Schlegel
  • Patent number: 8684023
    Abstract: An apparatus and rodding method is disclosed for cleaning particulant matter from the interior high and low pressure fluid conducting conduits of a valve manifold and its mounting neck that are components of a process fluid flow or mass flow measuring assembly. High and low pressure fluid conducting conduits run through the longitudinal length of the manifold body with laterally extending diversion channels that conduct the high and low pressure fluid to a pressure transducer mounted on the back side of the valve manifold. Following shut down of the process fluid flow, plugs at the terminal end of the fluid channels are removed, permitting cleaning rods to be inserted into the fluid channels, without having to remove the pressure transducer and associated data transmitter from the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Dieterich Standard, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Timothy Deegan, Donald Robert Verhaagen
  • Patent number: 8671981
    Abstract: A valve for a fuel cell system includes a valve housing having an inlet and an outlet formed therein. Each of the inlet and the outlet includes a passage formed therein to permit a fluid to flow through the valve housing. A movable member is disposed in the valve housing and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The movable member includes a sliding portion having a first flow regulator and a second flow regulator extending laterally outwardly therefrom. At least a portion of the first flow regulator is disposed in the passage of the inlet and at least a portion of the second flow regulator is disposed in the passage of the outlet when the movable member is in the closed position militating against a formation of ice across the entire opening of the inlet and the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Matthew A. Lang
  • Publication number: 20130327414
    Abstract: A liquid supply assembly for use with a printing system of a type in which a liquid is deposited from the liquid supply assembly in a receiving region on a plate and any excess of the liquid in the receiving region is scraped from the plate by the liquid supply assembly. To this end, the liquid supply assembly employs a reusable cup, a disposable cup insert and a scraping element. As assembled, the reusable cup includes a reusable liquid reservoir, the disposable cup insert includes a temporary liquid reservoir holding the liquid within the reusable liquid reservoir, and the scraping element includes a conduit facilitating a flow of the liquid held by the temporary liquid reservoir through the conduit to the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Tracy Kucaba, Dana Pulvino, Robert Hitchcock, Sam Peterson
  • 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: 8522807
    Abstract: An arrangement and method for unloading raw material in connection with a cable manufacturing apparatus. The arrangement includes a feed inlet connected to the cable manufacturing apparatus for feeding raw material into the cable manufacturing apparatus, the feed inlet being adapted to be connected to an unloading spout of the raw material. The arrangement further includes a seal for opening and closing the feed inlet when the unloading spout is connected to the feed inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Maillefer S.A.
    Inventors: Petri Vetterstrand, Jorma Leppänen, Juha Hiltunen
  • 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: 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: 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: 8025075
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Marshall Excelsior Company
    Inventor: James C Zuck
  • Publication number: 20090183782
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve includes a singular body and a poppet, within the singular body. The popper is forced into a seated position against a seat by a spring, wherein the seat is fit into the singular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Francis J. Martin
  • Patent number: 7445018
    Abstract: A sliding gate valve for use within a bath of molten aluminum. The sliding gate valve includes a pair of opposed ceramic cleaner plates that sandwich a reciprocable gate body. The cleaner plates include a plurality of longitudinal slots that face the gate body. Dross accumulating on the gate body is scraped from the gate body and into the slots when the gate body is reciprocated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Jorge A. Morando
  • Patent number: 7182096
    Abstract: The self cleaning metering device for a diaphragm of a diaphragm type flush valve comprises a metering cap having a metering orifice therein, a hollow retainer threadedly engaged to the metering cap, the diaphragm being sandwiched therebetween, and a cleaning element comprising a spring coil movably seated within the device, the coil having a first pin centered relative to the metering orifice and extending therethrough and a second pin extending opposite the first pin into and through the hollow retainer, wherein water flowing through the metering device acts to move the coil, and pins thereof, the coil and pins acting to clean debris from the interior of the device upon moving therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventors: Var E. Lordahl, Scott H. Koepeel
  • Patent number: 7104522
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation valve assembly including a bushing and pintle shaft sub-assembly having a pintle shaft supported by a sleeve bushing, the contact area between the shaft and bushing being reduced such that coking deposits that form on the remaining contact area can be broken by the force of the valve actuator, thereby preventing sticking of the valve from coking accumulations. Either the shaft surface or the bushing surface is relieved in a pattern of incuse areas and residual bearing areas. A currently preferred pattern is a helix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Raul A. Bircann
  • Patent number: 7051760
    Abstract: A multi-port valve device to divert flow of a fluid from a piggable transfer pipe line into a branch pipeline, and simultaneously prevent a line clearing device (known as a pig or cleaning sphere) from flowing with that fluid into the branch pipeline. This device can operate in a least two positions; one that will allow unobstructed flow of a fluid and/or pigs through the device, and at least one other position that will divert flow of a fluid through the device to a branch port and simultaneously present an in-line barrier to stop a pig. In a preferred embodiment, the device resembles a customized “T-port” ball valve where the “branch” flow path is modified to include an integral pig stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventors: Ralph Lewis Beamer, Richard Carl Andersen
  • Patent number: 7044153
    Abstract: A varnishing installation includes a varnish line with an inlet end, an outlet end and an auxiliary device. The auxiliary device is connected through a valve arrangement to the varnishing line and the valve arrangement is scrapeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: LacTec Gesellschaft für moderne Lackiertechnik mbH
    Inventors: Udo Klein, Joachim Kunkel, Winfried Ott, Stephan Templin
  • Patent number: 6848464
    Abstract: A fluid vent (26) for venting fluid from the annulus between the inner surface of a rigid conduit (20) and the outer surface of a conduit liner (10). The fluid vent (26) consists of a length of rigid conduit (34) containing a multiplicity of apertures (32) extending through the wall of the conduit and arranged in an annular pattern around the circumference of conduit (34). The fluid vent (26) further comprises means defining a closed annular volume (36) extending around the exterior circumference of the conduit (34) and interconnecting the outer ends of the apertures (32) with at least one fluid outlet passage (40) located on the exterior of the conduit (34) and communicating with said annular volume (36). The fluid vent can be used to expel water or other liquids from the annular space when retro-fitting a liner to a conduit, venting gas which has permeated through the lining into the annulus, or for assisting in the movement of fluid through the annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignees: Coflexip SA, Coflexip Stena Offshore Limited
    Inventor: Alan Ransom
  • Publication number: 20040194823
    Abstract: A varnishing installation includes a varnish line with an inlet end, an outlet end and an auxiliary device. The auxiliary device is connected through a valve arrangement to the varnishing line and the valve arrangement is scrapeable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: LacTec Gesellschaft fur moderne Lackiertechnik mbH
    Inventors: Udo Klein, Joachim Kunkel, Winfried Ott, Stephan Templin
  • Patent number: 6746233
    Abstract: A semi-automatic gas pilot clean-out device and a gas pilot with the device useful in agricultural brooders and other appliances that utilize a gas pilot as an ignition source. The device has a plunger rod with a clean-out pin attached to one end and a push button assembly attached to the other end. The assembly when mounted within a gas pilot housing can be actuated by manually pressing the button of the assembly to move the plunger rod toward a gas outlet of the gas pilot so that the tip of the clean-out pin passes through the gas outlet, removing debris therefrom. When pressure is no longer applied to the button, the assembly returns to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: L. B. White Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Zabriskie, John L. Tomlinson
  • Patent number: 6725875
    Abstract: A directional-control valve is connectable to a first main pipe and to a secondary pipe. The valve includes an upstream port and a downstream port connectable to the first main pipe and having identical diameters. A third connection port is connectable to the secondary pipe. A shut-off member is capable of moving at right angles to the main pipe between a closed position and a second open position. In the closed position, the shut-off member includes a first orifice, of a diameter identical to that of the upstream port and downstream port, positioned in line with the upstream port and the downstream port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Cellier S.A.
    Inventor: Pascal Mollard
  • Patent number: 6691731
    Abstract: A corporation stop cleaner device includes a T-shaped body having an inlet end, an outlet end, a flushing inlet connection and a flushing outlet connection. The T-shaped body is attached to the fluid inlet of a corporation stop. A removable brush is mounted on one end of a rigid rod and is forced through the T-shaped body and into the corporation stop. The brush abuts the inner surfaces of the corporation stop to remove debris or the like from the inner surfaces of the corporation stop. Flushing water flows through the T-shaped body to remove debris removed from the corporation stop. An optional pipe cleaning tool includes the T-shaped body attached to a service water line with an expandable brush mounted on one end of a flexible cable wherein the brush expands through the pipe cleaning tool inside of the water pipe to remove debris from the line that is stopping flow of water therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: Jamie L. Thompson, L. Wayne Dixon
  • Patent number: 6637452
    Abstract: The seal assembly is disclosed for use with a valve having a trim cage with an inner surface extending along in axis and a plug sized to fit inside the trim cage inner surface, wherein the plug is adapted to move along the axis thereof. A seal ring is attached to an upstream portion of the cage to effectuate a seal with the plug. The plug is equipped with a wiper seal that cleans or otherwise removes debris from the seating surface of the seal ring, an interior surface of the seal ring and an interior surface of the cage during both the opening and the closing of the valve. Thus, the valve is self-cleaning. Further, the wiper seal delays throttling action through the valve until the plug has moved a substantial distance away from the seating surface of the seal ring which reduces high pressure abrasive flow against the seating surface of the seal ring to reduce wear on the trim set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul T. Alman
  • Patent number: 6478041
    Abstract: A fill valve assembly for filling a flat bag with an inhomogeneous fluid or viscous product, comprises a valve head of a cross-section dimensioned to fit into the flat bag and having a an outlet for the product and an extension of the outlet, the outlet and outlet extension extending along a central longitudinal axis of the valve head, and at least two product supply passageways extending in the valve head substantially parallel to the outlet and outlet extension, each product supply passageway having an end section terminating in the outlet at an angle of 25° to 45°. A purging space adjoins the outlet extension along the central longitudinal axis. The purging space has a somewhat larger diameter than the outlet extension, and at least a part of the purging space is located in the valve head. A plunger comprising a piston and a piston rod moves the piston up and down through the outlet extension into three positions, the outlet and outlet extension having at least twice the length of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Hassia Verpackungsmashinen GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Stede
  • Publication number: 20020124884
    Abstract: Directional-control valve (1) intended to connect a first pipe known as a “main” pipe and a second pipe known as a “secondary” pipe and comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: ABB CELLIER S.A.
    Inventor: Pascal Mollard
  • Patent number: 6332475
    Abstract: A stop valve to terminate flow of liquid there through when the level of the liquid reaches a desired level in a container. The stop valve includes a master diaphragm valve (38) to regulate the flow of liquid through the valve and a pilot diaphragm valve (10) controlling the master valve. The pilot diaphragm valve (10) is subject to the position of a float (37) on the liquid in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Mastavalve Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Henry Brougham
  • Patent number: 6293298
    Abstract: A water softener valve for controlling water flow to and from a water softener is disclosed that includes a cylindrical shaft extending from said inner surface of a piston chamber that fits into a pressure relief port when the piston is in the service position. The shaft clears the pressure relief port of any debris and closes the pressure relief port during the service cycle. The water softener valve also has a flow meter with at least two helically expanding vanes. A magnet on of the vanes trips a sensor as the turbine rotates, thereby providing means for calculating the flow of water through the valve. The valve also has a flow control button located at an inlet of the valve rather than at the drain, preventing the obstruction of the water flow by regeneration sediment of the tank at the drain. The valve also contains an internal piston port for permitting the free flow of water through the valve during a change in softener cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: iNetWater LLC
    Inventors: Earl Brane, Boyd Cornell
  • Patent number: 6263901
    Abstract: An irrigation valve comprises a valve housing made from a valve body joined to a valve bonnet by a plurality of attachment screws. The valve body and valve bonnet have an alignment rib received in an alignment notch when the body and bonnet are joined together such that the holes that receive the attachment screws are automatically aligned with one another. The attachment screws have a smooth portion adjacent a threaded portion such that the smooth portion when visible signals to the user that the attachment screws are clear of the valve body but are still captured in the valve bonnet. The valve includes a solenoid that may be remotely actuated to open the valve. An L-shaped actuator arm is also operatively connected to the solenoid for manually opening the valve with the upper portion of the actuator arm being closer to the user than in previous valves and thus easier to grip and turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Dan Lohde, John Larry Kent, Alan Dawn
  • Patent number: 6199576
    Abstract: The invention is a bi-directional cleanout for pipelines such as sewer pipelines and a bi-directional cleanout with a built in backflow preventer. The backflow preventer is a check valve which allows fluid to flow in one direction, but not in the other direction. The bi-directional cleanout is a device which has a single access point at ground level, is located outside a house typically, and which directs a cleanout tool down one of two tool guide tubes. The guide tubes direct the cleanout tool into one of two tool guides which deflect the cleanout tool and cause it to enter the pipeline to be cleaned in a direction towards one or the other of the ends. The check valve is insertable into the pipe level unit in which the tool guides are located. While the pipeline is being cleaned out with the cleanout tool, the check valve can be removed and reinserted after the cleanout procedure is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Inventor: Randy E. Young
  • Patent number: 6182677
    Abstract: A cleanout fitting for air conditioner evaporator drains facilitates the mechanical cleanout and hydraulic flushing of the entire drain line from an air conditioner evaporator unit, or air handler. The present fitting essentially comprises an asymmetric T configuration, with a shutoff valve in one side of the crossmember of the T and a removable cap in the opposite end of the crossmember. The fitting is normally configured with the cap in place to block drainage therefrom, and with the valve open to permit flow from the evaporator pan through that crossmember side and out the stem of the T to an appropriate drain system. When the line becomes blocked and causes water in the evaporator pan to back up, the plug is removed, allowing a mechanical cleanout tool (snake, etc.) to be passed straight through the crossmember of the T and its open valve, to the evaporator pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: James Pignataro