Convertible Patents (Class 137/269)
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Patent number: 7261121Abstract: A system and method for an expandable gas or fluid distribution system is disclosed. The expandable distribution system comprises at least one device, an endcap, and an inlet piece. The electromagnetic switch is removably coupled to the endcap and the inlet piece such that the distribution system can be expanded by adding another device.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Norgren, Inc.Inventors: Robert Bordonaro, Christopher Bezzina, Mark Pevoteaux, Todd M. Ables, Stephen Fiondella, Jeff Sherrel
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Patent number: 7261122Abstract: A system and method for a valve for an expandable gas or fluid valve is disclosed. The valve comprises an electromagnetic switch with a male connector on one face, and a female connector on an opposite face. The electromagnetic switch has a passageway connecting the male connector with the female connector. An output port is switchably connected to the passageway by the electromagnetic switch. The male connector on one face can be coupled to the female connector on another electromagnetic switch, forming a line or chain of electromagnetic switches.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2005Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: IMI Norgren, Inc.Inventors: Robert Bordonaro, Christopher Bezzina, Mark Pevoteaux, Todd M. Ables, Stephen Fiondella, Jeff Sherrel
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Patent number: 7246635Abstract: An automatic flow rate control valve, includes a tubular body, defining a flow path between inlet apertures having a gradually variable cross-sectional area and a fluid outlet at one end; a flow control piston is axially movable within the tubular body, under opposite actions of the fluid pressure and a biasing spring, to choke the fluid inlet apertures, while maintaining a constant flow rate. The control piston is in the form of a first cup-shaped element sliding on a second cup-shaped element to define a hydraulic damping chamber, communicating with the flow path.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Caleffi S.p.A.Inventor: Marco Caleffi
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Patent number: 7237567Abstract: A vacuum valve is disclosed. The vacuum valve comprises a body and a cylinder, mounted at the upper end of the body having a cavity including a piston, the center of the piston provided a piston rod extended into the cavity and the two sides of the body and the bottom section of the body being air holes, characterized in that the end of the piston rod is connected with a rocking arm and a gate plate having a lug by means of a connection rod, and one side of the gate plate, positioned at the interior of the upper section of the air hole is a pivotal lug by means of a connection rod so that the valve plate is opened or closed at an arch angle at the air hole, and the exterior of the bottom section of the body is a bottom plate so that the vacuum valve is formed into a two-passages valve and is connectable to a 180 degree conduit.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Highlight Tech Corp.Inventor: Ming-Tien Wu
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Publication number: 20070137708Abstract: A valve construction kit is provided for the production of valve clusters respectively having several juxtaposed plate-like valve units. Each valve unit comprises a core module having a valve spool and a frame-like encasing element surrounding the core module. The construction kit furthermore comprises several encasing elements differing at least as regards the consistency of the their material and of different types so that it is possible to produce valve units for different applications owing to the selected combination with core modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2006Publication date: June 21, 2007Inventors: Heiko Kühbauch, Michael Berner
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Patent number: 7201185Abstract: A multi-position micro-fluidic valve system that includes an actuator assembly with a housing and a drive shaft rotatably disposed in the housing for rotational displacement about a drive axis thereof. One end of the drive shaft is configured to couple to a drive motor for selective rotation of the drive shaft about the drive axis. One of at least two different multi-position fluid valve devices can be removably mated to the actuator assembly. Each valve device is configured for rotational movement of a corresponding valve shaft about a valve rotational axis thereof between a plurality of discrete fluid distribution positions. A coupling device selectively and removably mounts the valve shaft of the respective valve device to the drive shaft of the actuator assembly. This enables selective positioning of the multi-position fluid valve device at a discrete one of the plurality for discrete distribution positions.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2005Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Rheodyne LLCInventors: Carl H. Poppe, Carl M. Servin, Jon A. Nichols, Michael R. Straka
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Patent number: 7198059Abstract: A water control fixture having an operating valve and a thermostatically controlled bypass valve disposed in the fixture for bypassing water away from the fixture until the water temperature reaches a desired level. When pressurized water from the hot water heater reaches the desired temperature level at the fixture, the bypass valve closes and hot water is made available to the fixture. The bypass valve has a thermal actuator element that is thermally responsive to the temperature of the water. The fixture can have a housing with an interior chamber for operatively receiving the bypass valve. Various passages or channels can be provided to facilitate communication between the bypass valve and the water supply lines. Alternatively, the bypass valve can be positioned in the operating valve, including the moveable ball and the replaceable cylindrical valving cartridge types. A system using the in-fixture bypass valve is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Grundfos Pumps Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Dale Kempf, Ken Lum
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Patent number: 7171985Abstract: In the case of a distributor module for valve clusters, which possess a principal valve supplied with pressure medium by way of a supply duct and at least one pilot control valve, serving for controlling same and supplied by way of at least one pilot control supply duct with pilot control pressure medium, the distributor module has a supply duct section and two pilot supply duct sections, which are able to be coupled with the supply duct or, respectively, with a respective pilot control duct of the valve cluster, an interface for the connection of the duct sections with each other, with which a control element is associated, which is so designed that different switching conditions may be set, in which the supply duct section and the pilot supply duct sections are differently put in circuit with each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Festo AG & Co.Inventor: Nikolaus Eltrop
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Patent number: 7156370Abstract: The cooking appliance (1) having a control panel (2) is equipped with one or more gas flow (Q) regulating valves, wherein the rotary regulator organ (6) is provided with various peripheral through holes (16–19). The control knob (9) being interchangeable for fitting to the actuating shaft (7), is chosen from the two units available, one and the other permitting different angular limit positions (A2, A3) for the supply of a constant minimum gas flow Qmin, through one of two successive holes (18, 19) calibrated each one for a different type of gas NG or LPG, one or the other hole being superimposed to a valve inlet duct (4) at a different angular position A2, A3. An integral lug (14) on the control knob (9) running into a slide groove (20) in the control panel (2), establishes a first rotation stop A2.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2005Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Inventor: Iñigo Albizuri
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Patent number: 7146999Abstract: A modular fluid handling device includes at least one block having opposing block faces shaped as tessellating regular polygons, and a series of block sides therebetween. Each block includes a central bore extending between the block faces, and channels extending into the block sides and intersecting with the central bore. The blocks may be rapidly horizontally and/or vertically affixed with their channels and/or bores in communication to form a fluid handling device having the desired configuration (e.g., with the channels/bores forming a desired process flow path, fluid circuit, or the like). Inserts complementarily fit within the bores of selected blocks can then bear components such as valves, filters, turbines or stirrers, heating or cooling elements, pumps, sensors, or other equipment, so that a block can be adapted to fulfill desired purposes by simply installing the desired inserts.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2005Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Inventors: Gregory C. Giese, Tye Travis Gribb
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Patent number: 7134446Abstract: The invention relates to a stop valve (1, 1?, 1?) for a portable pressurized-gas container (35). A valve body (2) is provided with three connection adapters (7, 17, 18), i.e. one central connection adapter as a gas tank connection adapter (7), another connection adapter as outlet connection adapter (17) and a third connection adapter as spindle drive receiving adapter (18). Valve body (2) is made in several parts including valve body element (3) with the outlet connection adapter (17) and a spindle drive receiving adapter (18) and a radial valve seat element receiving bore (20) going to the bottom of the spindle drive receiving adapter (18). Furthermore, the valve body (2) has an oblong valve seat element (5) with gas supply bore (29) provided at the one end of the valve seat (30) and a bearing collar (26) on the other end. In its assembled state, the valve seat element (5) is inserted tightly into the radial bolt receiving bore (20).Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Seemann Sub GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Robert L. Huber, Robert Stoss
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Patent number: 7131453Abstract: An option valve for controlling the operation of an option actuator added as an option is installed into each of first and second main valve blocks in each of which plural control valves, a pressure oil supply line connected to a pump and a tank line connected to a tank are incorporated, and plural types of connection blocks incorporating circuit elements to be added to the option valve are attached to the main valve blocks selectively to constitute a hydraulic valve device. According to this hydraulic valve device, it is possible to widely cope with various option attachments despite a built-in system with the option valve incorporated beforehand in the main valve blocks.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2004Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yutaka Toji, Hidekazu Oka
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Patent number: 7100639Abstract: The invention relates to a control valve (10) for controlling the pressure and flow of hydraulic oil from or to the working connections (A, B) of a consumer. The pressure and the pressure flow are controlled by means of at least one sliding piston which can be actuated by at least one drive mechanism and which can be displaced in a slider hole and in co-operating annular channels. The invention is characterized in that the annular channels are symmetrically arranged, whereby a tank connection annular channel is arranged in the symmetrical centre point on a symmetrical axis. Annular channels associated with the working connections (A, B), pump-pressure annular channels, load-sensing annular channels and end-chamber annular channels are arranged behind each other on both sides. According to the invention, the latter can be connected to other channels.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2002Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Bucher Hydraulics GmbHInventor: Winfried Rüb
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Patent number: 7063103Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for converting or retrofitting manually-operated flush valves. A conversion system for converting an installed manually-operated flush valve includes a power module, a control module, and a driver module mechanically coupled to a manual handle to externally activate the converted flush valve.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2003Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Arichell Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Fatih Guler, Natan E. Parsons
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Patent number: 6953048Abstract: A fluid-flow system includes a first plurality of substantially identical plate-like blocks. Each block has at least two fluid-flow through-passages extending between its front face and its back face. The blocks are connected to each other along their edge surfaces. A fluid component is affixed to the front face of each of the blocks, with its ports aligned and in fluid communication with the respective fluid-flow through-passages of the block to which it is affixed. A second plurality of fluid-flow block-interconnection tubes external to the blocks are affixed to the back face of a first block and to the back face of a second block. A first end of the fluid-flow block-interconnection tube is in fluid communication with one of the fluid-flow through-passages on the first block, and a second end of the fluid-flow block-interconnection tube is in fluid communication with one of the fluid-flow through-passages on the second block.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2001Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Circle Seal Controls, Inc.Inventor: Yen Chuh
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Patent number: 6951226Abstract: A block for a modular fluid block assembly is disclosed. The block includes first and second opposed faces and first and second apertures from the first face to the second face for receiving a fastener. Each aperture includes a first end and a second end and a head receiving cavity disposed adjacent the first end. The block further includes a fluidic passage passing from the first face to the second face and a pair of fastener receiver cavities in the first face. The block further includes a pair of head receiving cavities in the second face.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2002Date of Patent: October 4, 2005Assignee: Talon Innovations, Inc.Inventors: Mark L. Eriksson, Jeffry R. Markulec, Dennis G. Rex
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Patent number: 6948515Abstract: A rupture disk assembly for use in a pressurized fluid passageway within an application environment having a temperature operational range. The disk assembly includes a cylindrical one-piece disk consisting of unimpregnated graphite, a single bore extending partway into the top surface of the disk, a casing, and a metallic layer overlaying the planar bottom surface of the disk. The disk assembly has a particular burst pressure that is generally temperature insensitive over essentially the entire temperature operational range. The temperature operational range may be from about ?425° F. to about 900° F. The burst pressure may have a tolerance of about +/?5% over the temperature operational range.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2003Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Zook Enterprises, LLCInventor: Thomas J. Wadkins
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Patent number: 6941962Abstract: A pressure control device and associated method of use capable of regulating fluid pressure for multiple fluid types. The pressure control device includes a fluid sensing port, a pressure responsive device, a fluid sensing port, a valve, a valve seat, a first valve chamber, a second valve chamber that is moveable in relationship to the first valve chamber, a first member located within the first valve chamber, a first biasing mechanism located between the pressure responsive device and the first member, a first adjustment mechanism adjustably attached to the first valve chamber for selectively positioning the first member in relation to the first valve chamber, a second member located within the second valve chamber, a second biasing mechanism to apply pressure to the second member and a second adjustment mechanism adjustably attached to the second valve chamber for selectively positioning the second member in relation to the second valve chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Robertshaw Controls CompanyInventor: Nabil Mikhael Haddad
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Patent number: 6938644Abstract: A modular manifold system is provided for interconnecting fluid components of a fluid system in a reduced area. The system is comprised of a one or more bridge fittings having an internal fluid passageway which has an inlet end in fluid communication with an outlet port of a first fluid component, and an outlet end in fluid communication with an inlet port of a second fluid component. The bridge fittings may additionally comprise two or more ports, which one of said ports may be in fluid communication with a manifold on another substrate level. The bridge fittings may be mounted within a channel of a backing plate for structural support or in channel blocks of varying sizes. The bridge fittings may be stacked to form multiple layers where bridge fittings of one layer may be in fluid communication with bridge fittings of another layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Swagelok CompanyInventor: Paul E. Eidsmore
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Patent number: 6938634Abstract: A control device for regulating delivery of fuel and an associated method of use is disclosed. The control device includes an inlet, an electromagnetic safety valve, having a thermocouple connection, a control valve, wherein the electromagnetic safety valve selectively allows fuel to flow from the inlet to the control valve through the electromagnetic safety valve when the thermocouple connection is heated, an actuator valve, a main valve having a pressure responsive device, having a first side and a second side and including an outlet chamber, a regulator valve having a sensing port and an outlet. There is an adjustment mechanism associated with the control valve that can also direct fuel into a pilot assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Robertshaw Controls CompanyInventor: Robert Gordon Dewey, Jr.
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Patent number: 6932109Abstract: A poppet scavenger valve includes multiple cages for multiple poppets, permitting better control of the spacing of the assembly, facilitating maintenance and permitting better fluid flow through the cage structure. A spacer or lift plate may be positioned between the cage and the seat for defining a flow control device for accurately setting and controlling the valve flow. Each cage component is mounted on the lift plate and is trapped between the plate and the seat. Alignment pins are provided to assure proper alignment between the cylinders and the mated counter bores in the cages. The stroke, or valve flow, can be controlled by adjusting the height of the lift plate, without any alteration to or modification of the cage. Multiple cage configurations are possible, including cages for supporting any array of poppets from a grid to a longitudinal assembly. Each cage is adapted for supporting any multiple of poppets, including single poppet cage systems where applicable.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Inventors: Gene M. Thompson, Edgar G. Beidler
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Patent number: 6932315Abstract: An apparatus for manually opening a normally-closed valve includes a value and a hand-operated valve opening jig. The valve includes a working rod for operating a valve element which is moved to close and open a conduit; a cylindrical holder fixed to the working rod, and to which the hand-operated valve opening jig can be detachably attached from the outside of the housing; a biasing member which biases the working rod to close the conduit; and a pressure chamber which is supplied with a working fluid to move the working rod to make the valve element open the conduit. The hand-operated valve opening jig includes a manual-opening attachment which can be detachably attached to the cylindrical holder; and an operational member which is operated to move the working rod in a direction to make the valve element open the conduit via said manual-opening attachment.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2004Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignees: Fujikura Rubber Ltd., Neriki Valve Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Ejiri
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Patent number: 6918572Abstract: A series of electric valve drive units is provided, which can set up rotational efficiency and anti-counter-rotating function of a valve. In a series of electric valve drive units which can drive a valve body via reduction gears, at least one gear mechanism of the reduction gears is provided with an eccentric wobbling inscribed gear type of a planetary gear mechanism which has an input shaft, an external gear eccentrically and wobbly rotating about the input shaft, an internal gear engaged with the external gear, and a carrier absorbing a wobbling ingredient of the external gear. At least two types of valve drive units are supplied, one of which places prime importance on the anti-counter-rotating function, and the other places prime importance on the rotational efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Kiyoji Minegishi, Jun Tamenaga
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Patent number: 6910496Abstract: A gas conversion assembly generally has a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The assembly includes a control mechanism for regulating the flow of gas from the inlet to the outlet. The control mechanism is constructed and arranged to adjust from regulating the flow of a first gas to regulating the flow of a second gas. The control mechanism has an actuator for switching the control mechanism from its first arrangement for regulating a first gas to its second arrangement for regulating a second gas.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2002Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventor: Andrew T. Strom
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Patent number: 6898150Abstract: A reciprocating pulser system for generating pressure fluctuations in a flowing drilling fluid comprising a reciprocating poppet and a stationary valve assembly with axial flow passages. The poppet reciprocates in close proximity to the valve assembly, at least partially blocking the flow through the valve assembly and generating oscillating pressure pulses. The poppet passes through two zero speed positions during each cycle, enabling rapid changes in signal phase, frequency, and/or amplitude thereby facilitating enhanced data encoding. The poppet is driven by a linear electric motor disposed in a lubricant filled housing. In one embodiment, the housing to shaft seal is a flexible bellows. In one embodiment, a force balance spring is used to essentially offset the hydraulic flow forces on the poppet. In one embodiment, a bypass poppet is used to adjust the differential pressure across the valve assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Detlef Hahn, Volker Peters, Cedric Rouatbi
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Patent number: 6892749Abstract: A manifold connected to a solenoid-operated valve which has a connector having a plurality of fluid passages for supplying and discharging a fluid under pressure to and from the solenoid-operated valve, includes a body having a substantially rectangular shape, an engaging groove defined in an upper surface of the body, a mount hole defined in the body, and a stopper member. The stopper member is inserted in the mount hole, and has an end retained in the mount hole. The stopper member has an extensible resilient spring arm and an engaging hole defined in the stopper member for receiving and engaging the connector of the solenoid-operated valve when the stopper member is displaced.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: SMC Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Masami Yoshida, Noriya Sasaki
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Patent number: 6892763Abstract: A valve arrangement, which possesses at least one valve, which is has a valve housing provided with housing ducts. On opposite sides of the valve housing there are first and a second interfaces for the fitting of a first and a second connection board. Each connection board comprises at least one connection duct communicating with a housing duct and is held on the valve housing because on the one hand it is anchored by way of retaining means on the valve housing and on the other hand is fixed by means of attachment means passing internally externally through the valve housing on the oppositely placed second connection board.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2001Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Festo AG & Co.Inventors: Werner Burkhardt, Jürgen Gerhartz
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Patent number: 6874537Abstract: A plurality of pipe joints is mounted to a lower face of a base portion of a manifold base. A plurality of solenoid valves are respectively mounted to two valve mounting faces of a valve mounting portion provided onto the base portion. Respective ports of the solenoid valves and the respective pipe joints communicate with each other through flow paths in the manifold base. A substrate assembly for feeding the respective solenoid valves is supported on a substrate mounting portion provided onto the valve mounting portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: SMC CorporationInventors: Bunya Hayashi, Makoto Ishikawa, Masaru Narita
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Patent number: 6874526Abstract: A hydraulic control device (10, 90) for load pressure-independent control of a double-acting motor, in which by replacing the pressure balance regulator throttle slide valve element (68, 93) but using the same housing (13), the control device can be converted from a directional-control valve (11) with a primary individual pressure balance regulator (12) for load pressure-independent control to a directional-control valve (91) with a secondary individual pressure balance regulator (92) for an oil flow distribution in the event of undersupply. To this end, in a second longitudinal bore (41) containing the control pressure opening (68, 93), the housing (13) has three axially spaced infeeds of control pressure openings (51, 52, 53), which can be activated differently through interchangeable installation of a sealing plug (66) and a stopper (67) and, together with the respective throttle slide valve element, constitute a primary pressure balance regulator (12) or a secondary pressure balance regulator (92).Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2001Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Koetter
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Patent number: 6860282Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for converting or retrofitting manually operated flush valves. A conversion system for converting an installed manually-operated flush valve includes a power module, a control module, and a driver module mechanically coupled to a displacement member arranged to externally activate the converted flush valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Arichell Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Fatih Guler
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Patent number: 6848466Abstract: A tool and method of utilizing the tool to release pressurized gas trapped between a main valve and a safety valve of a portable liquified petroleum gas tank is disclosed. The tool includes a tank safety valve release member structured to be coupled with the outlet of the fuel tank. The tank safety valve release member is configured to be inserted into the tank outlet and move the tank safety valve to an open position so that pressurized gas can escape to atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: American Biophysics CorporationInventor: Emma Amelia Durand
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Patent number: 6837267Abstract: A cartridge insert for insertion in a fluid line is provided having a cartridge housing within which is located at least one backflow inhibitor and downstream at least one flow regulator. The backflow inhibitor has a closing element, which, in a closed position thereof, lies tightly sealed on a valve seat of the cartridge housing and which may be displaced from the closed position against a return force into an open position. A downstream guide pin projects from the closing element, and extends into a guide opening of a central regulator core of the flow regulator, and the flow regulator is formed from a regulator element made from an elastic material that surrounds the regulator core, which rests on an annular shoulder and defines a control gap, which changes with pressure between the above and an opposing enclosing wall.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2002Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Neoperl GmbHInventors: Christoph Weis, Uwe Zoller
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Patent number: 6837259Abstract: The invention relates to a fitting part, suitable for conducting water of different temperature from at least one mixing and proportioning element. The fitting part has at least three ducts, the first duct and the second duct each running from a lower opening arranged in the region of the lower end of the fitting part to an opening at the side on the fitting part, and the third duct running from a lower opening arranged in the region of the lower end of the fitting part to an upper opening arranged in the region of the upper end of the fitting part and having at least one branch with a lateral opening. The flow direction of the water through the third duct is defined individually for each fitting by suitable separate closing elements, so that a large number of different fittings can be produced using a small number of components. The invention also relates to a fitting with such a fitting part.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: KWC AGInventors: Michael Lehner, Heinz Graber
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Patent number: 6834666Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for outputting compressed air in a compressor to a plurality of pneumatic tools at a plurality of pressures. The apparatus includes: an air tank storing compressed air compressed by the compressor at a high pressure; a pressure adjusting portion connected to said air tank and adjusting a pressure value of the compressed air in a region from the high pressure to zero; a pressure outputting portion connected to a secondary side of said pressure adjusting portion and outputting the adjusted compressed air to at least one of a first pneumatic tool driven at a first pressure and a second pneumatic tool driven at a second pressure. The first pressure is larger than the second pressure, and the adjusted compressed air is not output to the second pneumatic tool at the first pressure.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2002Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: Max Co., Ltd.Inventors: Keijiro Murayama, Katsuhiko Murayama, Hiroshi Hanagasaki, Kazuhiko Kuraguchi, Hajime Takemura
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Patent number: 6834661Abstract: A control valve system includes a housing having an inlet port, a first output port, a second output port, and a valve chamber. A primary spool and a secondary spool are independently slidable in the valve chamber. The secondary spool has a first end for abutting against the primary spool and has a second end with a working surface area greater than the working surface areas at the ends of the primary spool. A solenoid valve assembly controllably connects the inlet port to the second end of the secondary spool. A biaser provides a biasing force to the primary spool. A first fluid passage through the primary spool provides fluid communication between the first output port and a second end of the primary spool for displacing the primary spool relative to the secondary spool in an energy saving mode, thereby regulating a pressure at the first output relative to the predetermined magnitude of the biasing force.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2003Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: Ross Operating Valve CompanyInventor: José Carlos Bento
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Patent number: 6832622Abstract: A system for carrying out the automated processing of fluids. The system has combinable and interchangeable process modules (38, 39, 40), which each contain a control unit (6) and a fluid unit (7) that can be controlled by the control unit in order to execute a module-specific process function. The control units (6) are interconnected via a data bus (10) which is shared by process modules (38, 39, 40), and the fluid units (7) are interconnected via a fluid bus (44) having a number of channels (45). The configuration of at least one portion of the channels (45) of the fluid buses (44) can be varied in the areas of their respective connection to the fluid units (7) by using configuration devices, which can be provided in the form of adapters (41, 42, 43) located between the process modules (38, 39, 40) and the fluid bus (44).Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2002Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Joerg Hassel, Arno Steckenborn
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Patent number: 6827095Abstract: A modular microfluidic system includes a plurality of discrete microfluidic modules each capable of performing at least one operation and at least one microfluidic coupling device for fluidically coupling the modules to perform a sequence of operations. The microfluidic modules and coupling devices may be constructed according to various techniques. In one embodiment, coupling devices are fabricated from multiple layers and each include a fluidic inlet port, a fluidic outlet port, and at least one sandwiched stencil layer having a microfluidic channel formed therein. Also described are integrated microfluidic systems and methods capable of performing various sequences of operations.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.Inventors: Stephen D. O'Connor, Christoph D. Karp, Eugene Dantsker, Marci Pezzuto
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Patent number: 6807981Abstract: A manifold 10A is divided into a manifold main body 12 and a sub-plate 13, a plurality of branch holes 14a, 15a and 16a extending from a mounting face vertically and straightly to communicate with fluid flow passages 14, 15 and 16 are provided in the manifold main body 12, a plurality of relay holes 24, 25 and 26 which causes the respective branch holes 14a, 15a and 16a to communicate with respective ports 21, 22 and 23 of an electromagnetic valve 11 are provided in the sub-plate 13, and the relay hole and the branch hole whose positions are different to each other are caused to communicate with each other via a recessed portion 29 formed on an lower face of the sub-plate 13.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: SMC CorporationInventors: Shinji Miyazoe, Masaru Narita, Makoto Ishikawa
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Patent number: 6805150Abstract: The invention concerns a device consisting of at least a valve comprising a body (1) with a through channel (5), provided with several orifices and in particular orifices (4) serving both as intake and/or through passage, which orifices (4) are provided to enable, by means of accessory components, two bodies to be juxtaposed, and provide a common supply to several valves. The communication between the intake channel (5) and the outlet port (9) is provided by means of a cylindrical bore and a slide valve mobile in said bore. The outlet port (9) is located above the channel (5) and a bleed orifice (16) is located beneath said channel. Said bleed orifice (16) is in communication with the outlet port by means of the slide valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: York NeigeInventors: Jean-François Dion, Pierrick Jouneau
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Patent number: 6805158Abstract: An apparatus for manually opening a normally-closed valve includes a value and a hand-operated valve opening jig. The valve includes a working rod for operating a valve element which is moved to close and open a conduit; a cylindrical holder fixed to the working rod, and to which the hand-operated valve opening jig can be detachably attached from the outside of the housing; a biasing member which biases the working rod to close the conduit; and a pressure chamber which is supplied with a working fluid to move the working rod to make the valve element open the conduit. The hand-operated valve opening jig includes a manual-opening attachment which can be detachably attached to the cylindrical holder; and an operational member which is operated to move the working rod in a direction to make the valve element open the conduit via said manual-opening attachment.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2001Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignees: Fujikura Rubber Ltd., Neriki Valve Co., Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Ejiri
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Publication number: 20040194824Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for converting or retrofitting manually-operated flush valves. A conversion system for converting an installed manually-operated flush valve includes a power module, a control module, and a driver module mechanically coupled to a manual handle to externally activate the converted flush valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2003Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventors: Fatih Guler, Natan E. Parsons
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Patent number: 6766830Abstract: An isolating insert for, in a block of modules for distributing a pneumatic fluid, forming two adjacent block sections, comprising: a body with an external surface comprising two parallel faces for assembly by juxtaposition against each adjacent module with, between these faces, internal channels providing the continuity of the common channels of the block and with a bypass for at least one of these internal channels opening out at the external surface of the element outside the assembly faces, a flat plate removably located on one of the above mentioned assembly faces, forming the closure and/or connection means of at least the internal channels of the body with the common channels of the block, the plate inseparably carrying a part identifying its function projecting from the external surface of the body.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Parker Hannifin Rak SAInventors: Serge Rondreux, Grégory Lucas, Patrick Magnin
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Patent number: 6763848Abstract: The invention relates to a block of pneumatic modules consisting of a plurality of adjacent distribution modules, juxtaposed and kept tightened against each other along parallel faces and between two end modules by assembly means passing through all the distribution modules and at least one of the end modules. The assembly means comprise, for each distribution module, a single through rod with a first externally threaded end and a second internally threaded end, the second end of each rod being shaped as a head whose external surface is not of revolution about the axis of the rod and which, in service, at least partially projects from a face of the module through which the rod passes, the face of the adjacent module turned towards the head having a recess corresponding in shape to the above mentioned head.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Parker Hannifin Rak SAInventors: Serge Rondreux, Jean-Luc Burban, Daniel Bouteille
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Patent number: 6761184Abstract: A water flushing unit and a method of making such comprising a cover plate that is to be mountingly installed to replace the original equipment cover plate of a shower valve. The modified cover plate has a drain conduit which includes an on/off valve. The on/off valve is in turn connected to a flexible tube. Flushing water from the shower valve is to be confined and directed through the drain pipe and, with the on/off valve in an open position, is caused to flow through the drain tube.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2003Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Inventor: Scott C. Jordan
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Patent number: 6742995Abstract: An air compressor assembly with one or more of the following features: a removable manifold assembly capable of being remotely located from the air compressor assembly for controlling and distributing compressed air from the air compressor assembly to one or more air powered tools, a lifting handle, a handle capable of assuming a plurality of positions, condensate removal devices, and a stable base and tie-down points.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: DeVilbiss Air Power CompanyInventors: Mark W. Wood, Robert F. Burkholder, Crandall B. Barbour, Mike L. Davis, Fred M. Morgan, David W. Robenalt, Dave C. Smith, John W. Hardin
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Publication number: 20040099316Abstract: A hydraulic control device (10, 90) for load pressure-independent control of a double-acting motor, in which by replacing the pressure balance regulator throttle slide valve element (68, 93) but using the same housing (13), the control device can be converted from a directional-control valve (11) with a primary individual pressure balance regulator (12) for load pressure-independent control to a directional-control valve (91) with a secondary individual pressure balance regulator (92) for an oil flow distribution in the event of undersupply. To this end, in a second longitudinal bore (41) containing the control pressure opening (68, 93), the housing (13) has three axially spaced infeeds of control pressure openings (51, 52, 53), which can be activated differently through interchangeable installation of a sealing plug (66) and a stopper (67) and, together with the respective throttle slide valve element, constitute a primary pressure balance regulator (12) or a secondary pressure balance regulator (92).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2002Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventor: Wolfgang Koetter
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Patent number: 6736158Abstract: A duct splitting device for fluid-tight splitting of a pressure medium duct provided in a duct component into two sequentially following duct sections. It comprises a duct splitter able to be inserted as far as the position of splitting into the respective pressure medium duct, such duct splitter having sealing means provided for engagement with the wall of the pressure medium duct. Furthermore it is provided with securing means for holding the duct splitter at the position of splitting. The duct splitter is in the form of a plug-like adapted shape section able to be placed in the respective pressure medium duct and the securing means are in the form of locking means, which comprise at least one locking part able to be introduced through a transverse duct opening into the pressure medium duct and brought in a locking engagement with the duct splitter.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Festo AG & Co.Inventors: Reinhold Mack, Rainer Bertsch
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Patent number: 6732756Abstract: An adapter for disposing between a replacement valve and a manifold to provide an improved valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
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Patent number: 6718997Abstract: A metering and pressure reduction piping system is prefabricated with backbone piping supported by a frame and a plurality of spool pieces that are interchanged at the site with selected metering and valve sections. The interchangeable piping sections having a common length and are connectable to the backbone piping via standardized interface flanges.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Trigen Boston Energy CorporationInventor: Raymond Biszko
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Patent number: 6715400Abstract: A fluid power operative instrumentality having an electro-fluidic control unit, which is provided with a plurality of electrically activated control valves having 2/2 valve functions. On the control unit different operative units may be selectively mounted, the control valves being able to be operated by means of electronic control circuitry in a manner matching the mounted operative unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Festo AG & Co.Inventors: Andreas Muth, Jari Haajo