Units Interchangeable Between Alternate Locations Patents (Class 137/271)
  • Patent number: 6192938
    Abstract: A gas panel for use with a tool for manufacturing a semiconductor includes a one-piece manifold body having an inlet for receiving a process gas. The manifold body has at least one lateral wall extending in the general direction of gas flow. The lateral wall includes at least one active device site having an active device thereon. The active device is in gas communication with a gas carrying path formed within the one-piece manifold. The active device may be a manual valve, a pneumatic valve, a pressure regulator, a pressure transducer, a purifier, a filter or a flow controller. The gas is received from the active device at a continuation of the gas flow path in the manifold body and is conveyed to a manifold outlet for ultimate to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Unit Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Redemann, Kim N. Vu
  • Patent number: 6186161
    Abstract: For the purpose of obtaining a manifold for a change-over valve capable of corresponding with given situations easily and reliably even when some of piping directions of the change-over valves are different or piping directions are altered during an operation, port surfaces 21, 22 are respectively formed on a front end surface and a bottom surface of a manifold 1, output openings 23a, 23b commonly in communication with output passages 14a, 14b are respectively formed on the port surfaces 21, 22, and a port block 26 having output ports A, B in communication with the output openings 23a, 23b and a closing plate 27 for closing the output openings 23a, 23b are allowed to be selectively mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuo Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 6173731
    Abstract: An electrofluidic modular system (1) is made up of modules which are secured to a bar (5) and may be mounted one after the other, in particular fluidic modules (9) having collecting channels (10, 11, 12) for actuator ports (26, 27, 28), electric modules (7) including bus terminals (8) and electric terminals (44) for actuators (15), and function modules (30). Two interface modules (18, 19) each have on one connecting side (23) a first connecting configuration with electric (8) and fluidic (10, 11, 12) terminals and with a contour (24) which are adapted to the modules (7, 9) of the modular system (1), and have on the opposite connecting side (22) a second connecting configuration which is different from the first and has electric (25) terminals and a contour (20) which are adapted to modules (2, 3) of a modular system of a different provider secured to the same bar (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Burkert Werke GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Martin Ottliczky
  • Patent number: 6170515
    Abstract: A manifold system includes an array of conduit outlets fixed in position relative to each other. A fluid connector has two quick connect devices mounted thereon and communicated through a hollow handle, so that a selected pair of the conduit outlets can be placed in fluid communication with each other by simultaneous engagement of the quick connect devices with the selected pair of conduit outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Parmenlo, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Peterson, Richard M. Russell
  • Patent number: 6168136
    Abstract: Gas valve (1) to be arranged in an intake port (2) of a combustion engine. In order to be able to give the valve different flow characteristics in a simple manner, the valve (1) comprises two plates (8, 24) disposed parallel to one another, between which the valve body (9) is arranged with clearance, which valve body (9) can shut off a discharge opening (11). By varying the degree of clearance, the amount of gas passing through the valve (1) can be varied. This variation in the valve lift can be achieved by adapting the height of an adjusting ring (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Vialle Beheer B.V.
    Inventors: Servatius Alfons Maria Jaasma, Marcus Johannes Petrus Gerardus Den Hartog
  • Patent number: 6164315
    Abstract: A template is provided for pump feet cups that is separately formed from the sump basin, positioned therein via sump basin flats to have a predetermined orientation with respect to the sump basin cover, and then attached to the sump basin to maintain a fixed position therein. A single template can be used with a variety of pump feet orientations by forming the template from a plurality of cups joined by a separable web. Foam or like material can be placed within the cups to receive the pump feet. Where the sump basin is formed from polyethylene material, the template can be molded from like material and then fixed to the lower interior surface of the sump basin by ultrasonic welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Jackel, Inc.
    Inventors: John Haslock, Craig Nowicki, Paul Schuchman
  • Patent number: 6155286
    Abstract: A washing machine outlet box includes a housing having a bottom wall containing a first valve mount for a first shutoff valve of a first water supply line and a valve mount insert that forms a second valve mount for a second shutoff valve of a second water supply line. The valve mount insert is selectively positionable in any one of several openings in the bottom wall to accommodate the second water supply line. A drain pipe is connected to one of the openings in which the valve mount insert is not selectively positioned. A test cap forms a seal for the drain pipe opening. In this manner, the washing machine outlet box can accommodate different plumbing arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Oatey Co.
    Inventor: Susan M. Geary
  • Patent number: 6148862
    Abstract: A valve bank has a coil pack assembly with multiple solenoid coils bound to one another by a single resin body. An L-shaped magnetic (but not magnetized) bracket is also bound within the body and extends between upper pole pieces of the valves and the manifold in which the valves are mounted. A retainer plate holds the valves in the manifold, and helps complete the magnetic flux path circuit from the manifold end of the bracket to the lower pole pieces of the valves. A spring clip helps position the manifold end of the bracket close to the retainer plate. A circuit board for individually energizing the coils is also potted within the resin body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Applied Power Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Doll
  • Patent number: 6142171
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for converting a manually controlled hydraulic valve system to an electronically controlled hydraulic valve system using an adapter. The manual valves are removed from the valve block of the manual system and replaced by an electronic or electric solenoid cartridge valve through the use of an adapter to operationally connect the cartridge valve with the valve block. The cartridge valve is then attached to an electronic control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Leonard H. Hancock
  • Patent number: 6142185
    Abstract: A valve block for a glass container forming machine comprises a frame supporting a plurality of valve stations. Each of the stations is provided with a valve. The frame comprises pressure passages connected to supplies of compressed air, and control sleeves at each station determine which supply is available to the valve at that station. The valves and the control sleeves are all accessible from one face of the valve block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Emhart Glass S.A.
    Inventor: Willi Meyer
  • Patent number: 6123107
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting micromechanical fluid control components includes a manifold interface plate adaptable for connection to a manifold substrate oriented in a horizontal plane. The manifold interface plate receives mounting stress forces from the manifold substrate along the horizontal plane. An orthogonal component plate is connected to the manifold interface plate in a vertical plane with respect to the horizontal plane of the manifold substrate. The orthogonal component plate includes an orthogonal mounting surface with a micromechanical fluid control component mounted on it. The position of the micromechanical fluid control component on the orthogonal mounting surface substantially isolates the micromechanical fluid control component from the mounting stress forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Redwood Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Selser, Errol B. Arkilic, Babak A. Taheri
  • Patent number: 6116283
    Abstract: A fluid control device comprises a massflow controller having an inlet channel and an outlet channel, an inlet-side lower block coupling having a channel upwardly opened and communicating with the inlet channel of the massflow controller, an inlet-side connecting member adjacent to the inlet-side lower block coupling and having a channel opened upward, an inlet-side upper block coupling having an inverted V-shaped channel for holding the channel of the inlet-side lower block coupling in communication with the channel of the inlet-side connecting member, an outlet-side lower block coupling having a channel upwardly opened and communicating with the outlet channel of the massflow controller, an outlet-side connecting member adjacent to the outlet-side lower block coupling and having a channel opened upward, and an outlet-side upper block coupling having an inverted V-shaped channel for holding the channel of the outlet-side lower block coupling in communication with the channel of the outlet-side connecting mem
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Michio Yamaji, Toshiro Nariai, Hiroshi Morokoshi
  • Patent number: 6102074
    Abstract: A modular pneumatic distribution assembly comprising a plurality of modules, each formed by a pneumatic distributor fixed on a base which comprises at least one common length of pressure duct and at least one common length of exhaust duct, and means for fixing to an adjacent base, the assembly being remarkable in that each distributor is a distributor having a flat slide distributor communicating with the base via three distribution orifices and a pressure orifice, the axis of the slide mechanism being parallel to the direction of the common pressure and exhaust ducts in the bases, in that at least two distributors of the assembly are of different calibers, one having distribution orifices of a section that is at least twice the section of the distribution orifices of the other, and in that the outside profile of the section of each module on a plane perpendicular to the axis of the slide mechanism is identical regardless of the caliber of the distributor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Rak S.A.
    Inventor: Daniel Bouteille
  • Patent number: 6068016
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a modular, monolithic pump-purge system which can be integrated into a modular, monolithic fluid handling system without creating a closed tolerance loop. In particular, the pump-purge system comprises a plurality of valves mounted on a modular and monolithic manifold which can be attached to the modular, monolithic fluid handling system. At least a portion, and preferably all of the fluid transfer conduits necessary for either applying a vacuum (or other evacuation means) to a fluid handling system conduit which is to be evacuated (pumped), or for transfer of flushing fluid within a conduit (purging) are present within monolithic manifolds of the fluid handling system. The modular, monolithic manifold of the pump-purge system contains openings and fluid flow conduits which correspond with openings and fluid flow conduits of the modular, monolithic fluid handling system, to enable evacuation or flushing of a selected fluid flow conduit within the fluid handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc
    Inventors: William L. Manofsky, Jr., Gary Curtis Fittro
  • Patent number: 6068017
    Abstract: A valve for flowing gaseous fuel, i.e., natural gas or propane gas, to an internal combustion engine includes a valve body having an inlet passage and first and second outlet paths in parallel with one another and in flow communication with the inlet passage. A plug-type adjustment member is threaded into the body and an annular seat in the body coacts with the adjustment member to form an orifice in the first outlet path. A stop mechanism limits movement of the adjustment member between a first position at which the orifice area is smaller and a second position at which the orifice area is larger. The valve permits adjustment of fuel flow to small engines so that such engines provide maximum power without exceeding applicable emission standards. And the valve is tamper-resistant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Haworth, Dawei Chen, Gerald C. Ruehlow
  • Patent number: 6065487
    Abstract: A valve having a valve body with an elongated opening therein and having a first end and a second end. A valve member is slidably disposed in the elongated opening. First, second and third ports are in fluid communication with the opening in the valve body at times. One of the first, second and third ports have a supply of fluid under pressure connected thereto. A first passage is disposed in the valve body and leads from the first port to the second end thereof. A second passage is disposed in the valve body and leads from the second port to the second end thereof. A third passage is disposed in the valve body and leads from the third port to the second end thereof. An actuator body is adapted to be connected to the valve body and has a cavity therein. The actuator body has a first end adjacent to the second end of the valve body. An actuator is disposed in the cavity. The actuator has a first side and a second side and is moveable between a first and a second position thereof for moving the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Amot Controls Corp.
    Inventor: Nigel S. Watson
  • Patent number: 6058975
    Abstract: A connection member is designed to connect a plurality of water control valves and is formed of a main body which is connected with a water main and is provided with two connection tubes for fastening a plurality of valve mounts in conjunction with a plurality of extension tubes. The water control valves are fastened with the valve mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Chao Hui-Chen
  • Patent number: 6053198
    Abstract: A fluid control system that includes a fluid manifold having a plurality of manifold bodies fastened to each other end-to-end so as to form at least first and second passages extending continuously through the manifold and each of the bodies. A plurality of solenoid valves are each mounted on a side of an associated body with valve ports opening into the body to the fluid passage(s) that extend through the manifold. An electrical connection arrangement is mounted at one end of the manifold for receiving control signals from an external source. A plurality of circuitboards are disposed one within the second passage of each body, with each of the circuitboards including male and female connectors at opposed ends for connecting the circuitboards in series with each other to the electrical connection arrangement at the end of the manifold. A third connector on each circuitboard extends laterally from the circuitboard for connection to the solenoid valve mounted on the side of the associated manifold body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Numatics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Bradly J. Atkin, Dennis L. Bonacorsi, Donald E. McGeachy, William S. Smith
  • Patent number: 6047722
    Abstract: A plurality of sanitary mixer fittings, in particular of concealed mixer fittings, form a set of mixer fittings that comprises identical universal connection housings with different cartridges and suitable different cartridges adapters. The universal housings have hot and cold water inlets for connection to the domestic water pipes as well as at least one mixed water outlet for connection e.g. to bath-tub inlets or showers. The relevant cartridge adapter is inserted into a location hole in the universal housings. The water inlets and outlets of the universal housings are flow-connected to water supply openings that are disposed in the inner surfaces of the adapter location hole in the universal housing. The water supply openings are flow-connected, optionally by annular chambers, to outer water supply openings in the outer surfaces of the relevant cartridge adapter. The relevant cartridge is inserted into a cartridge location hole in the relevant cartridge adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Hansa Metallwerke AG
    Inventors: Dieter Cordes, Werner Weinmann, Gunther Steger
  • Patent number: 6041816
    Abstract: The present invention provides a terminal box that enables wirings for solenoid-operated valves mounted on manifolds to be achieved simply and safely without causing leads to be entangled or causing an open circuit. In a terminal box body 4 consisting of a box-shaped housing 6 and a cover 7 that can be mounted to or detached from the front surface of the housing, a terminal block 5 is accommodated so as to move forward and backward. The lower end of the cover 7 is connected to the terminal block 5 using connection shafts 29 in such a way that the cover 7 can rotate. When the cover 7 is opened by being brought down forward, the connection shafts 29 are used as supporting points, and the terminal block 5 can be moved into and out from the housing using the open cover 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Hiramatsu, Makoto Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6012479
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated gas control device in a high purity gas supply system for a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus in which a gas control line is made compact and gas control units are easily mounted or removed and a flow passage can be flexibly designed and a total lead time for manufacturing can be made shorter and parts can be easily replaced for changing the flow passage by using the standardized constitution parts. In the integrated gas control unit, the adjacent passage blocks are connected to each other with a metal gasket inserted therebetween such that a gas flowing-out passage communicates with the gas flowing-in passage and are mounted on a base plate along many gas supply control lines arranged in parallel. The body of the desired gas control unit such as an automatic diaphragm valve or the like which is constituted longitudinally is inserted into the mounting hole of each passage block with a gasket inserted therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Benkan Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshitomo Fukushima, Hideaki Higuchi, Kazuhisa Sato
  • Patent number: 5996610
    Abstract: A solenoid-operated valve assembly is configured in such a way that one of multiple receiving connectors 4A and 4B of different forms is attached to a first end block 2a via the corresponding one of holders 5A and 5B having the same mounting mechanism, thereby enabling either the receiving connector 4A or 4B to be selectively attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: SMC Corportion
    Inventors: Hideharu Sato, Ryushiro Kaneko, Shinji Miyazoe
  • Patent number: 5988204
    Abstract: An adjustable fluid flow regulator that can be adjusted for operating at two different operating pressures includes a casing having a chamber therein, an inlet and an outlet communicating with the chamber, and a valve for controlling fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet. A flexible diaphragm in the casing is connected to the valve for operating the valve in response to pressure changes in the chamber. The fluid flow regulator further includes a spring, a removable hollow cap aligned with the spring, and a link adapted to fit in the cap. The link, when installed in the cap, engages the spring to cause the spring to apply a biasing force against the diaphragm that is higher than when the link is not in the cap. According to the method of this invention, the adjustable fluid flow regulator is adjusted for use at two different operating pressures by installing or removing the link from the hollow, removable cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Paul E. Reinhardt, Thomas P. Buescher, Timothy E. Reitz, Wayne A. Koopman
  • Patent number: 5988203
    Abstract: A two-piece, modular valve manifold adapted to be positioned between a main flowline and a pressure sensor to control fluid flow from the main flowline to the sensor, the manifold comprising a first module that adapts to a pressure sensor, such as a differential pressure transmitter, and a second module that is connected to a source of process fluid, the second module containing a block valve system, the first module containing an equalizer valve system and a vent valve system, the modules being connected together whereby process fluid can be transferred through the first module to the second module and ultimately, to the pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Peter B. Hutton
  • Patent number: 5979487
    Abstract: A plant comprising a post (2') with fixed sections attached thereto at various heights, and a horizontally distortable articulated pipe (3') attached to each of said sections. Other fixed sections (B'1 . . . B'19) are arranged on a single level along a substantially horizontal reference line (L'). The end of each pipe is connected to a tubular column (8') extending up to the reference line. Each column is movable along the reference line and may be shifted transversely so that the columns can pass one another in the vicinity of said line. Said plant is particularly useful in the oil industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene Le Devehat
  • Patent number: 5950661
    Abstract: A manifold has a plurality of main blocks each formed with a pair of oppositely directed and parallel flat end faces extending perpendicular to an axis and with an axially through-going main passage opening generally centrally at each face. At least one of the blocks is formed with a branch passage extending transversely from the respective main passage. A valve built into the one block controls flow along the respective branch passage. Connectors are provided on the blocks at outer ends of the passages. The blocks are secured together with their main passages coaxial and their end faces bearing in a fluid-tight manner on each other. The blocks are rectangularly parallepipedal. In addition the main passages are all substantially identical. The one module has a lateral extension through which the branch passage extends and in which the valve is mounted. Respective O-rings are compressed between the end faces of adjacent blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Rotelmann GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Ludwig Kirchhoff-Stewens
  • Patent number: 5937890
    Abstract: A volume control insert for a ball valve that is attachable in a fluid passage of the ball valve to provide a predetermined flow condition therethrough. The insert has a convex shape corresponding to an outer surface of a valving member seated in the ball valve, and has a connector disposed on its periphery to attach the insert across the fluid passage. The insert has an elongate slot through it, such as an oblong or parabolic shaped opening, adapted to provide the predetermined flow condition. A plurality of such inserts may be furnished with a ball valve to provide a range of predetermined flow conditions that may be individually selected for the ball valve. Preferably, each of the inserts include a parabolic opening therethrough, the parabolic opening providing a substantially equal percentage flow characteristic between maximum and minimum flow rate conditions when the valving member is rotated each degree of movement between its full open and full closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Griswold Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Ali Marandi
  • Patent number: 5924439
    Abstract: Inexpensive two-port solenoid valves that can be connected with five-port solenoid transfer valves are provided. Two valve discs 25A and 25B constituting a two-port valve are inserted into a five-port valve body 15 having a supply channel 21 opened at the center of a valve hole 20; output channels 22A and 22B are opened on the respective sides of the supply channel; and ejection channels 23A and 23B are opened on the respective sides of the output channels. A pilot valve section 12 is used to drive the valve discs. The valve discs 25A and 25B use the fluid pressure in the supply channel 21 as returning force for the valve bodies, and each has seal members 28A and 28B for continuously sealing the portion between the output channels 22A and 22B and the ejection channels 23A and 23B, respectively, regardless of the operating positions of the valve discs; and each also has seal members 29A and 29B for opening and closing the portion between the supply channel 21 and the output channels 22A and 22B, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Miyazoe, Bunya Hayashi, Makoto Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5904172
    Abstract: An improved valve enclosure assembly for use with an air inflatable mattress includes at least one air bladder, a pump fluidly coupled to the at least one air bladder for providing compressed air thereto, and a processor for providing commands to the improved valve enclosure assembly during an inflate/deflate cycle. The improved valve enclosure assembly is fluidly coupled intermediate the pump and the at least one air bladder for controlling the inflation of the at least one air bladder. An enclosure defines a substantially fluidly sealed air chamber and has at least one air inlet to the air chamber being fluidly coupled to the pump. A pressure monitor is operably coupled to the processor and is in fluid communication with the at least one bladder for continuously monitoring the pressure in the at least one bladder. A method of effecting a desired pressure in a bladder of an air inflatable mattress is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Select Comfort Corporation
    Inventors: James Edwin Gifft, Paul James Mahoney
  • Patent number: 5893386
    Abstract: A reversible adapter designed to be disposed between the bottom of a standard mixer tap cartridge and the bottom of a standard mixer tap body chamber, said bottoms conforming to a substantially circular common design, with two inlet locations disposed symmetrically about a diameter, includes:a rigid part (10) having a transverse surface (11) flanked by a skirt (12) and including two inlet locations, two half-moon shape openings (17, 18) respectively radially inside and radially outside a half-circle,one of two elastic material seals, the first of which includes two angularly offset chambers respectively surrounding the inlet locations and the second (40) of which includes two concentric circumferential chambers disposed on radially opposite sides of this semicircle, and each of which includes, at its end axially aligned with one of the half-moons, a web (40F, 40G) defining, facing that half-moon, a cup the depth of which increases in the direction towards the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Norton Desmarquest Fine Ceramics
    Inventors: Bernard Caria, Yves Delaisement
  • Patent number: 5890508
    Abstract: A pilot operated safety relief valve (14) has a main piston valve member (60) mounted for reciprocal movement between open and closed positions. The lower end of piston valve member (60) has a seat retainer (87) to retain an annular seat (89) therein. An interchangeable plug (93) is removably connected by bolt (97) to seat retainer (87) and piston valve member (60). Plug (93) extends within the inlet (50) to form a restriction within the inlet (50) defining an angular orifice (99) in the open position of the piston value member (60) for controlling discharge fluid flow. Different size plugs (93, 93A, 93B) as shown in FIG. 4 may be utilized in order to provide the desired orifice size for annular orifice 99 as illustrated in FIG. 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Flow-Safe, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter W. Powell
  • Patent number: 5887608
    Abstract: An interface for connecting an actuator and a wide variety of valve types. The presented invention is configured such that any actuator can be manufactured, having only one female splined output shaft as a standard and precision inserts, utilizing powder metallurgy, for example, and be configured to transition the output shaft connection to any output shaft specification, providing the manufacturer the ability to manufacture the main drive component in one standard configuration, and convert it into different configurations as required. Thus, the manufacture gains the ability to mass produce one standard part rather than many special parts requiring design and testing for each change and high costs to produce specials. Particularly, the present invention contemplates a system comprising a rack interface for an actuator linear gear, a pinion member configured to interface said rack, the pinion including an internal shaft configuration configured to interface with the valve coupling component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventors: Leonard J. Bordelon, John P. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 5853023
    Abstract: Multipurpose system for cartridge valves to mix hot and cold water which comprises a cartridge body (20) and a plurality of auxiliary elements such as adapters and elements having specialist functions, the cartridge body (20) being completed with a closure element (22), which includes in its outer surface at least one connecting hollow (34) extending circumferentially, at least one auxiliary element including a portion mating with the connecting hollow (34)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Galatron SRL
    Inventors: Alessio Orlandi, Roberto Orlandi
  • Patent number: 5819782
    Abstract: To provide a small-sized gas supply unit dispensing with connection parts or the like such as joints, pipes or the like among components or a gas supply unit facilitating maintenance of a manual valve or the like, the gas supply unit is provided with opening and closing valves for regulating flow of supply gas flowing in channels, a mass flow controller controlling the flow rate of the supply gas and a purge valve for supplying a replacement gas excluding the supply gas remaining in the mass flow controller, wherein a series of fixing blocks in which channels for making the supply gas and the purge gas flow are formed and which have first attaching portions for fixedly installing the opening and closing valves, the mass flow controller and the purge valve above the channels, are provided with second attaching portions by which fluid element parts communicating with the supply gas channels or the purge gas channels can be attached from a direction the same as that of the first attaching portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: CKD Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Itafuji
  • Patent number: 5819783
    Abstract: An apparatus selectively supplies a source of pressurized fluid to a load device and selectively exhausts pressurized fluid from the load device. The apparatus includes a first housing for defining a longitudinally extending aperture communicating through first, second, and third passages with spaced first, second and third external surface portions of the first housing. A valve spool is engageable within the first aperture for longitudinal movement between a first position communicating the second passage with the third passage and a second position communicating the first passage with the second passage. The valve spool is normally biased toward the first position. Modular port members are connectable to the first, second and third spaced external surface portions for connecting the first passage to a source of pressurized fluid, the second passage to the load device, and the third passage to an exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: ISI Norgren Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Blatt, Wayne D. Morroney, James J. Acierno
  • Patent number: 5785299
    Abstract: In a direct-coupled solenoid valve comprising an armature 27 of a solenoid control segment 3 that directly actuates a valve member 10 that opens and closes the passages between multiple ports, the armature 27 comprises an iron core 27a and a length setting member 27b that jointly set the core length L of the armature 27 to a switchable length according to the valve member 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Katsuta, Takashi Akimoto, Masamichi Tajima
  • Patent number: 5771918
    Abstract: A valve body has second output ports defined in an upper surface thereof. To the second output ports there are selectively and detachably attached quick-connect-and-disconnect pipe couplings or a pipe adapter which provides communication between the second output ports and front output ports through output passages. When the quick-connect-and-disconnect pipe couplings are attached, output pipes can be connected to the valve body from its upper side through the quick-connect-and-disconnect pipe couplings. When the pipe adapter is attached, output pipes can be connected to the valve body from its front side through quick-connect-and-disconnect pipe couplings connected to the front output ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Yoshitada Doi
  • Patent number: 5769110
    Abstract: A fluid control apparatus comprises a mass flow controller, two on-off valves disposed at the inlet side of the controller and three on-off valves disposed at the outlet side of the controller. At the inlet side, a main fluid on-off valve is positioned on a purge fluid on-off valve, and at the outlet side, a vent on-off valve is positioned on a vacuum suction on-off valve, with a main passage on-off valve further positioned on the vent on-off valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Keiji Hirao, Michio Yamaji, Shigeru Itoi, Tsutomu Shinohara, Nobukazu Ikeda, Hiroshi Morokoshi, Tetsuya Kojima
  • Patent number: 5765589
    Abstract: A valve arrangement comprising several valve units placed in rows side by side in the a direction in a common row defining plane. Each valve unit comprises a base plate with supply and venting ducts extending therethrough and two mutually parallel spool receiving spaces each having a valve spool. The supply and venting ducts run in the partition, placed between the two spool receiving spaces, of the base plate and simultaneously communicate with the two spool receiving spaces. Such a valve arrangement may be manufactured with compact dimensions and have high flow through rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Festo KG
    Inventors: Kurt Stoll, Dieter Beyer
  • Patent number: 5746850
    Abstract: A double inner tube and valve system for use in a wheel assembly including a circular rim with a base wall and opposing radially extending flanges defining a well, and an aperture formed in said base wall. A tire is mounted on the rim, and defines an annular cavity in conjunction with the rim. The double inner tube is positioned in the annular cavity and defines an inflatable primary tube adjacent to the tire, and an inflatable secondary tube positioned between the primary tube and the rim. A valve assembly is attached to the double inner tube and positioned in the aperture in the rim. The valve assembly comprises a primary valve in fluid communication with the primary tube to allow inflation of the primary tube and a secondary valve which replaces the primary valve and is in fluid communication with the secondary tube for inflation of the secondary tube. The valve assembly is selectively configurable to inflate the primary tube or the secondary tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventors: Marcus P. Luscher, Stephen F. Ridley
  • Patent number: 5730174
    Abstract: A progressive distributor valve including a plurality of spool blocks each of which is mounted on a spool base block, the spool blocks having reciprocating spools therein for distributing lube oil into respective spool base blocks, and a shut off valve base block mounted to an adjacent spool base block and having a comparable size thereto, the valve base having an inlet for receiving lubricant and an outlet connected to an adjacent spool base block. The inlet of the valve base is connected to a source of lube oil. A valve block is mounted onto the valve base block and having a valve inlet flow connected to the inlet of said valve base block and an outlet flow connected to the outlet of the valve base block, and a flow channel and valve seat between the valve block inlet and outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Lubriquip, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Mismas
  • Patent number: 5718263
    Abstract: A pilot operated change-over valve which can operate either as a double solenoid type or as a single solenoid type by replacement of part of its components, and includes a valve casing accommodating a valve member 8, a large diameter piston 12a and a small diameter piston 12b, an electromagnetic pilot valve 3a provided at one axial end of the valve casing 4 on the side of the large diameter piston 12a for driving same, and a common interfacial end face 6b provided at the other axial end of the valve casing 4 on the side of the small diameter piston 12b, the common interfacial end face being connectible either to a second electromagnetic pilot valve 3b for driving the small diameter piston or to an adapter plate 26 for supplying a pilot fluid constantly toward the small diameter piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Hideharu Sato
  • Patent number: 5704399
    Abstract: A chained multiple connection change-over valve assembly of an extremely compact form in thickness, formed by connecting a plural number of multiplex change-over valve units of a flatly thin shape successively in a lateral direction, each change-over valve unit containing a plural number of fluid switching mechanisms within a valve casing side by side in a transverse direction and having a plural number of output ports on a front face of the valve casing in a row in the transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Bunya Hayashi, Shinji Miyazoe
  • Patent number: 5701927
    Abstract: A valve actuator for an automatic fluid control valve actuator which fits an Ames Company predetermined size valve housing and which is also suitable for use in a Cla-Val automatic fluid control valve housing of the same predetermined size and which valve actuator is interchangeable with the actuator of each respective manufacturer. The valve actuators range from 4 inches up to 12 inches and can be used as the original actuator of a set size within the range in either manufacturer's housing. The actuator includes a main body disposed on a shaft with a diaphragm and a diaphragm disk plate adjacent the main body on the shaft, all of which are retained by nuts threadedly engaged to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Hunter Innovations
    Inventors: Louis J. Hansen, Jr., Luciano J. Maligad, Jr., Douglas H. Powell
  • Patent number: 5699834
    Abstract: Selective connection of a first pair of output openings or a second pair of output openings opening in different directions with pipe fittings and closing of unused openings with closing plugs are facilitated by the use of a, substantially U-shaped removable stopper pin whose legs are inserted into the corresponding legs of fit-in grooves on both sides of the output openings and engaged with engaging grooves around the periphery of the pipe fittings and closing plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Bunya Hayashi, Makoto Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5687769
    Abstract: A configurable port assembly is used proximate a medium containing struct, such as a water tunnel, e.g. to measure fluid flow or inject flowing fluid into the tunnel. The configurable port assembly includes at least two configurable port assembly components assembled to define a configurable port extending from a first opening to a second opening. One or more of the configurable port assembly components can be rotated from a first to a second assembled position to define a configurable port having at least two predefined shapes. The configurable port assembly preferably includes four configurable port assembly components assembled and coupled together with coupling members, such as dowel pins, extending through the components. Two of the configurable port assembly components have shaped surfaces that define a shaped thickness of the configurable port while the other two components have shaped surfaces that define a shaped width of the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Robert Meunier
  • Patent number: 5671769
    Abstract: A swing check valve, which is adapted for automatically inhibiting back flow of fluid from an outlet thereof to an inlet thereof, includes a clapper member and a housing. The housing has a first body portion, which includes its own valve seat and its own mounting mechanism adapted to removably mount the clapper member therefrom when the first body portion is positioned adjacent to the inlet of the valve. The housing also has a second body portion, which includes its own valve seat and its own mounting mechanism adapted to removably mount the clapper member therefrom when the second body portion is positioned adjacent to the inlet of the valve. The first and second body portions are removably connected to each other in an end-to-end fashion and are interchangeable with each other, whereby each body portion may be utilized as a replacement for the other body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: H-Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Booth, Alan R. Levin
  • Patent number: 5642756
    Abstract: A valve manifold assembly for processing fluids wherein the manifold member includes respective interface segments to which are secured the valve members. The interface segments typically are counterbored into the faces of the manifold member and include portals connected to passageways internal to the manifold member; and an alignment device such as a pin. The valve member includes a manifold mount body portion which has a complementing alignment member such as an opening. The valve when posited in the counterbored portion, and the pin is aligned with the alignment opening in the manifold mount body portion ensures that the ports in the valve member and the manifold member are properly aligned. A manifold mount body portion of the valve includes an annular groove which coacts with a clamping device to secure the valve in the respective counterbored portion. A sealing gasket surrounds the aligned ports to insure that no fluid leakage occurs between the ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Bio-Chem Valve Inc.
    Inventors: John Lawrence, Istvan Sandor
  • Patent number: 5603601
    Abstract: A lateral channel compressor having an annular flywheel housing (1) with air inlet stub (3) and air outlet stub (4). Attachments such as mufflers, filters, or safety valves are connected to stubs. A compact design and a lower manufacturing cost is achieved when the attachments are made in the form of a kit preferably having equal-length elements (I,II,III,IV) connectable directly to one another in the axial direction. The elements preferably have tubular main housings (11, 12) flush with one another. The filter and safety valve attachments (II, III, IV) each have a housing stub (13) projecting laterally from main housing (12) for mounting of filter elements and valve components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Gebr. Becker GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Walter Winkelstroter
  • Patent number: 5586570
    Abstract: A directional control valve has a supply port, first output ports and discharge ports which are open at a lower surface of a valve body at positions for communication with corresponding openings in a manifold base. The lower surface of the valve body has attachments for attaching a blanking plate which can close all the above ports. The valve body has a supply passage and discharge passages defined therethrough in the direction in which directional control valves are arrayed, and held in communication with the corresponding ports. Second output ports are defined in an upper surface of the valve body in communication with the first output ports. With the blanking plate detached from or attached to the same valve body, directional control valves may be arrayed through the manifold base or directly on a rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Yoshitada Doi