With Leakage Or Drip Collecting Patents (Class 137/312)
  • Patent number: 11971330
    Abstract: A leak detector is provided that is incorporated into the wheels of a moveable medical device and/or cart or cabinet therefor. By incorporating a leak detector into the wheels themselves of the movable medical device, the leak detector, despite movement of the medical device, is suitably located to locate leaks with respect to the medical device at all times and requires no additional setup. The leak detector can further be tested by and interface with the moveable medical device to ensure the leak detector is in working condition and provide a convenient interface for a user. Additionally, by using this technology on each of the multiple wheels of a moveable medical device, the detectable area may be bigger than a leak detector at only one location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: David Yuds, Colin Weaver, Martin Joseph Crnkovich
  • Patent number: 11926998
    Abstract: An automatic valve actuator unit and method for use with an associated manual shutoff valve configured to permit or restrict the flow of fluid through an associated supply pipe. The unit comprises a housing, an attachment mechanism for securing the housing to at least one of the associated supply pipe or manual shutoff valve, and an actuator at least partially supported in the housing and having an output shaft extending from the housing. The output shaft includes a locating member supported at a distal end thereof for non-rotatingly engaging a surface of a valve handle of the associated manual shutoff valve adjacent a point of attachment of the handle to the associated manual shutoff valve, the locating member configured to center the output shaft over an axis of rotation of the handle of the associated manual shutoff valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: LEAKSMART INC.
    Inventors: Jason Sharratt, Tianzhe Wang, Martin Marsic
  • Patent number: 11919385
    Abstract: A fuel inlet structure of a vehicle, including a vehicle body panel, an inlet box, and a seal portion. The seal portion includes: an inner seal portion provided in correspondence with the whole circumference of the flange portion; an outer seal portion provided in correspondence with the whole circumference of the flange portion; and a water catching portion, the water catching portion, in a portion of the whole circumference of the seal portion that is a lower portion in the vehicle vertical direction, projecting from a region between a proximal end portion of the inner seal portion and a proximal end portion of the outer seal portion to a region encompassing an area between the drain portion and the inner seal portion, the water-catching portion being configured to stop water that passes through the drain portion from a vehicle outer side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Izuhara
  • Patent number: 11609146
    Abstract: In order to accurately judge whether or not there is a seat leakage in the first valve and the second valve in a short period of time, a fluid control apparatus comprises a fluid resistor arranged in a flow channel, a first valve arranged upstream of the fluid resistor, a first pressure sensor that measures a pressure in a first volume between the first valve and the fluid resistor in the flow channel, a second valve arranged downstream of the fluid resistor, a second pressure sensor that measures a pressure in a second volume between the fluid resistor and the second valve, a valve controller that controls the first or second valve, and a seat leakage judging part that judges whether or not there is a seat leakage in the valve valves based on the pressure sensors in a state where the valves are fully closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: HORIBA STEC, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sota Matsumoto, Kentaro Nagai, Yuko Imasato
  • Patent number: 11535505
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser includes a containing case having an inner containment cavity for containing a first fluid to be dispensed, which is delimited by at least one pair of walls which have a membrane-like structure, at least one first wall of which is placed in contact with the fluid to be dispensed, a second wall of said pair at least partly surrounding the first wall. The dispenser further includes a closable hollow space, positioned between the first wall and the second wall; and a second fluid which, introduced in the hollow space and interacting with the first wall, imparts to the fluid to be dispensed a movement towards an outlet of the case and a simultaneous action at least of expelling to the outside of the case the gases present in the containment cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: BEEXLAB S.R.L.
    Inventor: Diego Pepini
  • Patent number: 11485627
    Abstract: A conversion frame assembly configured to secure a fuel dispenser to a concrete pad and direct leaked fuel from the fuel dispenser into a sump at least partially embedded in the concrete pad. The conversion frame assembly includes a frame having a fluid passageway and a splash lip extending upward from the base plate and around the fluid passageway. The conversion frame assembly also includes a drainage tray configured to be coupled to the splash lip of the frame. When the drainage tray is coupled to the splash lip of the frame, an upper surface of the drainage tray defines a weir sloping inward and downward toward the fluid passageway in the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: S. BRAVO SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Micah Nelson, Ricardo Burgos, Don Mukai
  • Patent number: 11466899
    Abstract: A method of controlling a gas powered water heater includes attempting to pick a main gas valve of the main burner using a first pick method. The first pick method includes closing a switch of a valve pick system to couple a capacitor of the valve pick system to the main gas valve for a first length of time to discharge energy stored in the capacitor to the main gas valve, and opening the switch of the valve pick system after the energy stored in the capacitor is discharged to the main gas valve. The controller determines if the main gas valve is open after using the first pick method. When the controller determines the main gas valve is not open, the controller attempts to pick the main gas valve using a second pick method different than the first pick method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: SIT MANUFACTURING N.A. S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Furmanek, Saad Chaudry
  • Patent number: 11459170
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for vaporization suppression. Vaporization suppression may include, for example, evaporation control and/or odor control. A layer of foam glass aggregates may be placed on a body of water. Bodies of water may include natural and man-made aqueous bodies (such as, for example, ponds, lakes, lagoons, reservoirs, tanks, pools, runoff areas, etc.). Water may include clean water, natural water, rainwater, runoff, industrial output, manure slurries, leachates, treatment effuse, etc.). When placed, the foam glass aggregates in contact with the water may have a first moisture content. At equilibrium, the foam glass aggregates in contact with the water may have a second moisture content. The second moisture content may be greater than the first moisture content. The foam glass aggregates in contact with the water may have a bulk density at the second moisture content that is sufficient to maintain buoyancy at the surface of the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Aero Aggregates of North America, LLC
    Inventors: Archibald Stewart Filshill, Thomas Liam McGrath
  • Patent number: 11428344
    Abstract: A valve in which a backseat structure is formed at a height to easily prevent penetration of fluid with high accuracy from outside a bonnet to inhibit an increase in internal pressure. In a state in which a packing for sealing (5) is attached inside a bonnet (10) in a longneck structure, a stem (3) is axially inserted and a flow path (13) inside a valve box (2) is provided to be opened and closed by a valve body (4). The bonnet is divided into an upper bonnet (11) and a lower bonnet (12) at a position higher than a position at which a fluid flowing inside the valve box ascends in a liquid state. A backseat mechanism (42) has a fixed-side seal surface (21) formed on a lower end side of the upper bonnet and a movable-side seal surface (41) on an outer peripheral surface of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: KITZ CORPORATION
    Inventors: Taisuke Muto, Tetsuya Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11408644
    Abstract: This disclosure is related to devices, systems, and techniques for outputting an alarm signal in response to detecting a leak in a water heater device. For example, a water heater device includes a leak sensor, an intermittent pilot light, and a circuit. The circuit includes processing circuitry configured to receive, from the leak sensor, an electrical signal including information indicative of a leak in the water heater device, activate, based on the electrical signal including information indicative of the leak, an alarm device, where the alarm device is powered for at least a period of time by a power source, where the power source is configured to receive energy from a thermoelectric device, and maintain an amount of energy stored by the power source so that the amount of energy is sufficient for the power source to supply energy to the alarm device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Ademco Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Hazzard, Adam Myre, Gregory Young
  • Patent number: 11399883
    Abstract: An electrocautery device and system include retractability and extension of a cauterizing tip without impacting or applying backpressure to the supporting electrical components inside the device. In some embodiments, a conductive rail is in constant contact with a spring contact electrically coupled to the power source as the cauterizing tip is retracted or extended from the main housing. Some embodiments include a vacuum system that draws fluid from the treatment site during operation. The fluid travels through a passageway that is sealed off from the electrical components by virtue of aspects of the device. Some embodiments include an ergonomic design and are lower cost by using membrane switch circuits instead of a printed circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: VOLTA INNOVATIONS, S. DE R.L. DE C.V.
    Inventor: Selvin Kao
  • Patent number: 11391416
    Abstract: A pressure vessel arrangement has a pressure vessel for storing a gaseous fuel and a conducting arrangement arranged adjacent to the pressure vessel for conducting and weakening a shock wave occurring upon bursting of the pressure vessel. The conducting arrangement forms a chamber space that can be expanded by the shock wave. The conducting arrangement has an inlet into the space facing the pressure vessel, via which the shock wave enters the space and expands the space, and wherein the conducting arrangement has at least one outlet out of the space, via which the shock wave exits the space into the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jan-Mark Kunberger
  • Patent number: 11339881
    Abstract: Provided is a valve device in which influence of a physical impact on a valve element is further reduced. Valve device includes a valve seat disposed around an opening connected to a flow path formed in a valve body, a diaphragm for opening and closing flow path by moving between a contact position and a non-contact position with respect to the valve seat, a presser adapter that contacts a peripheral portion of the diaphragm, a casing that incorporates an actuator for actuating the diaphragm and is fixed on the valve body by being screwed into a screw hole formed in the valve body, and an adapter fixing ring that is screwed into the screw hole and thereby fixed in the valve body while pressing the presser adapter and the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kazunari Watanabe, Kohei Shigyou, Yohei Sawada, Tomohiro Nakata, Tsutomu Shinohara
  • Patent number: 11326733
    Abstract: A system of pipe insulating sleeves includes a series of elastomeric foam insulating sleeves that are capable of opening up to, and beyond, 180 degrees, to accommodate and capture an undersink pipe. The disclosed system may include a number of different sleeves that are capable of coupling to one another at respective couplers so as to form the system. The sleeves may include fastening mechanisms to retain the sleeves in the closed configuration while capturing the pipe, so as to create a smooth, streamlined appearance that is aesthetically pleasing. Also disclosed is a method of installing the sleeves. The sleeves are made of an elastomeric foam material that has heat insulating properties, and which may also have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that make it particularly advantageous for use in undersink pipe insulating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: OATEY CO.
    Inventors: Eric Hull, Joshua Funk, Willie Perez
  • Patent number: 11306874
    Abstract: A gas supply system includes: a gas tank; an unbalanced pressure reducing valve that reduces a pressure of the gas supplied from the gas tank; a pressure sensor that detects an outlet-side pressure of the pressure reducing valve; a flow rate changing unit that changes an outlet-side flow rate of the pressure reducing valve; and a control unit. The control unit changes the outlet-side flow rate between first and second flow rates, obtains a first pressure, which is a detection value of the pressure sensor when the outlet-side flow rate is the first flow rate, and a second pressure, which is a detection value of the pressure sensor when the outlet-side flow rate is the second flow rate, and estimates an inlet-side pressure of the pressure reducing valve using the relationship among the first flow rate, the second flow rate, and the difference between the first and second pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Inventors: Kosuke Kobayashi, Yukihide Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 11297710
    Abstract: An extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light source and a method for patterning a resist layer on a substrate using the EUV light source are disclosed. For example, the EUV light source includes a volume to collect liquid tin debris remaining after a plasma generation process, a cover coupled to the volume, wherein the cover comprises at least one opening to allow the liquid tin debris to fall through the at least one opening of the cover and into the volume, and a heater coupled to the cover, wherein the heater is to melt solid tin that forms from cooling of the liquid tin debris on a surface around the at least one opening of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ssu-Yu Chen, Shang-Chieh Chien, Li-Jui Chen
  • Patent number: 11221351
    Abstract: A probe card device includes a probe head including a plurality of pins, wherein each of the pins includes a body, a first metal layer formed on the body, and a second metal layer covering the first metal layer; a multi-layered flexible board electrically connected to the pins; a support plate, the multi-layered flexible board disposed on a first surface of the support plate; and a circuit board electrically connected to the multi-layered flexible board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: PRINCO CORP.
    Inventors: Chih-kuang Yang, Yeong-yan Guu, Chun-hsiung Chou
  • Patent number: 11137092
    Abstract: The utility model discloses a double-buckle tube for a bathroom, comprising an outer tube and a flexible inner tube; both ends of the flexible inner tube are respectively provided with connectors; inner ends of the connectors are provided with inner tube connecting parts; the flexible inner tube has elasticity and is expanded and hermetically connected with the inner tube connecting parts by the elasticity; outer ends of the connectors are provided with at least one annular groove; seal rubber rings are arranged in the annular groove; each of the connectors is formed by a tube core and a connecting piece sleeved in the middle of the tube core and fixedly connected with the tube core; and the inner tube connecting parts and the annular groove are respectively arranged on the inner end and the outer end of the tube core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Youshi (Xiamen) Sanitary Ware Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhangsen You, Hong Yang
  • Patent number: 11092084
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a combustion section, the combustion section including a plurality of fuel nozzles. A fuel delivery system for the gas turbine engine includes a feed tube and a fuel manifold fluidly connected to the feed tube for receiving fuel from the feed tube. The fuel delivery system also includes a pigtail fuel line fluidly connected to the fuel manifold and configured to fluidly connect to a fuel nozzle of the plurality of fuel nozzles when the fuel delivery system is installed in the gas turbine engine. In order to reduce an amount of hydraulic instability of a fuel flow through the fuel delivery system, at least one of the fuel manifold or the pigtail fuel line includes a means for damping a hydraulic instability within the fuel delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Kwanwoo Kim, Raymond Floyd Martell, Alfred Albert Mancini, Clayton S. Cooper
  • Patent number: 11072917
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is actuation apparatus. The actuation apparatus comprises a diaphragm valve, having an upstream side and a downstream side, opposite the upstream side. The actuation apparatus also comprises a hydraulic actuator, fluidically coupled with the downstream side of the diaphragm valve by a first hydraulic line. The actuation apparatus further comprises a valve fluidically coupled with the upstream side of the diaphragm valve by a second hydraulic line. The actuation apparatus additionally comprises a valve controller coupled with the valve and operable to open and close the valve. Pressurized fluid from the downstream side of the diaphragm valve flows to the hydraulic actuator, via the first hydraulic line, in response to opening of the valve. The hydraulic actuator is configured to actuate in response to receipt of pressurized fluid from the downstream side of the diaphragm valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventor: A. Shane Alcorn
  • Patent number: 11014802
    Abstract: A conversion frame assembly configured to secure a fuel dispenser to a concrete pad and direct leaked fuel from the fuel dispenser into a sump at least partially embedded in the concrete pad. The conversion frame assembly includes a frame having a fluid passageway and a splash lip extending upward from the base plate and around the fluid passageway. The conversion frame assembly also includes a drainage tray configured to be coupled to the splash lip of the frame. When the drainage tray is coupled to the splash lip of the frame, an upper surface of the drainage tray defines a weir sloping inward and downward toward the fluid passageway in the base plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: S. Bravo Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Micah Nelson, Ricardo Burgos, Don Mukai
  • Patent number: 10982789
    Abstract: Gas meters including a first portion and a second portion are provided. The first portion is separate and distinct from the second portion and a physical barrier is positioned between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion includes at least a motor associated with a shut-off valve for the gas meter and the second portion includes at least an area for a gas stream to flow through. Related gas regulating devices are also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Sensus Spectrum, LLC
    Inventor: Christian Heizenroeder
  • Patent number: 10982944
    Abstract: A method for a system includes applying power to a MEMS device while inhibiting applying power to a processor, thereafter determining first sensed data with the MEMS device in response to first event data, when the first sensed data exceeds a first threshold, determining second sensed data with a second MEMS device in response to second event data, when the second sensed data exceeds a second threshold, applying power to the processor, determining with the processor whether a seismic event is occurring in response to the first and the second sensed data, directing with the processor, an electronically-controllable mechanism to shut-off a utility supply, in response to the seismic event being determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: mCube, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanjay Bhandari, Tony Maraldo
  • Patent number: 10969803
    Abstract: A mechanical activation system including a first mechanical device mechanically connectable to and controllable by an external device, with a rotational orientation of the first mechanical device controllable by the external device, the rotational orientation representative of a parameter of the external device. The first mechanical device and second mechanical device having interacting surfaces for controlling a valve for preventing the parameter of the external device from reaching a critical value. An operator actuation device interacts with a surface of the first mechanical device, permitting a single operator input that is automatically resettable by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: CIRCOR INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Fabien Devaux
  • Patent number: 10941545
    Abstract: A sensing assembly assembly for use with a fire hydrant having a stem includes a sensor in fluid communication with a water supply; at least one battery in electrical communication with the sensor; and an antenna in electrical communication with the sensor; wherein at least a portion of the sensing assembly is located within an interior cavity of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Timofey Sitnikov, Paul S. Gifford, Carlos Stephen Moreno
  • Patent number: 10900205
    Abstract: A sensing assembly assembly for use with a fire hydrant having a stem includes a sensor in fluid communication with a water supply; at least one battery in electrical communication with the sensor; and an antenna in electrical communication with the sensor; wherein at least a portion of the sensing assembly is located within an interior cavity of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Timofey Sitnikov, Paul S. Gifford, Carlos Stephen Moreno
  • Patent number: 10890296
    Abstract: A high pressure tank device includes a high pressure tank configured to supply/discharge a fluid through a supply/discharge channel, a first storage part, a leakage detection sensor provided in the first storage part for detecting leakage of the fluid, and a second storage part. The high pressure tank includes a resin liner, a reinforcement layer which covers an outer surface of the liner, and a cap having a supply/discharge hole. The first storage part can store a first fluid. The first fluid is at least one of the fluid that leaked from the supply/discharge channel and the fluid that leaked through the inside of the supply/discharge hole. The second storage part is provided independently from the first storage part, and can store a second fluid. The second fluid is the fluid that leaked from the outside of the supply/discharge hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Ogiwara, Satoru Kawase
  • Patent number: 10816432
    Abstract: A system for detecting a gas, oil or water leak and closing a fluid valve in response thereto includes a control unit in which an electronic circuit is mounted. A fluid leak sensor is electrically connected to the electronic circuit. A manipulator unit is operatively coupled to the fluid valve. The fluid leak sensor generates a fluid leak detection signal when a fluid leak is detected. The electronic circuit, in response to the fluid leak detection signal, generates a control signal and provides the control signal to the manipulator unit which, in response to the control signal, causes the fluid valve to close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: VOXX International Corporation
    Inventors: Prapan Paul Tinaphong, Yiqi W. Woodling
  • Patent number: 10794535
    Abstract: A high pressure tank includes: a resin liner for containing a fluid; a reinforced layer covering an outer surface of the liner; a cap including a supply/discharge hole to supply and discharge the fluid to and from the liner; a barrier layer; and an isolation wall member. The cap includes a cylindrical protrusion having the supply/discharge hole. The barrier layer covers an outer surface of the reinforced layer to block all or at least part of the fluid, and includes an opening to expose the protrusion. The isolation wall member forms a closed space accommodating the protrusion and the opening of the barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Ogiwara, Satoru Kawase
  • Patent number: 10781977
    Abstract: A high pressure tank includes: a resin liner for containing a fluid; a reinforced layer covering an outer surface of the liner; a cap including a supply/discharge hole to supply and discharge the fluid to and from the liner; an isolation wall member; and a communication unit. The cap includes a cylindrical protrusion having the supply/discharge hole formed therein. An opening is formed in the reinforced layer to expose the protrusion. The isolation wall member encloses the protrusion and the opening, and forms a closed space. The communication unit communicates with the closed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Ogiwara, Satoru Kawase
  • Patent number: 10732071
    Abstract: A water control system which encompasses a leak sensor and a water control unit adapted for installation on a water supply line, both capable of wireless data communication with a gateway acting as an interface between the leak sensor and water control unit and a cloud server or a remote user application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventors: Dean Ruiz Fung-A Wing, Seth Lawrence Taylor
  • Patent number: 10725117
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward detection of leakage from an enclosed component using an apparatus. The apparatus includes a printed circuit board (PCB) including a first conductive trace, a second conductive trace, and sets of terminals electrically connected to the first and second conductive traces configured and arranged to indicate changes in impedance caused by leaked liquid. The respective portions of the first and second conductive traces are interleaved, and configured and arranged to suspend flow of the leaked liquid from an enclosed component, thereby causing a change in impedance between at least one of the sets of terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Verne Olson, Kevin Reinhart, Damian Bonicatto, Chris Palmer
  • Patent number: 10702434
    Abstract: A grossing station comprising a table and an overhead hood connected to the table. The grossing station further comprising a plurality of interchangeable plates arranged in a trough of the table and a lift system connected to the table. The grossing station also comprises a touch screen controller arranged on a surface of the station, wherein the touch screen controller is in communication with at least one manual toggle switch for overriding an electronic control and monitoring system if a system failure occurs within the grossing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: MP Acquisition, LLC
    Inventors: Massimo Corona, Mohamed Simo Meskouri
  • Patent number: 10648578
    Abstract: A sanitary fitting with a fitting body with a hollow cylindrical mixing shaft chamber in which a mixing shaft is rotatably supported about an axis of rotation. A hot and cold water inlet and a mixed water outlet open into the hollow cylindrical mixing shaft chamber, and wherein the mixing shaft has a control contour on the outer circumference which delimits a mixing chamber, which as a function of the rotational position of the mixing shaft fluidically connects the hot water inlet and/or the cold water inlet to the mixed water outlet in order to adjust a mixed water temperature. The mixing chamber of the mixing shaft is fluidically decoupled from the hot water or cold water inlet port while forming a fluid-tight valve gap between a sealing surface of the control contour of the mixing shaft and the inner peripheral wall of the hollow cylindrical mixing shaft chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: GROHEDAL Sanitaersysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Moeller, Christian Koch
  • Patent number: 10627004
    Abstract: An in situ retrofit assembly for a top entry valve includes an annular conduit (100) configured to conform with a seat support (106) at the distal end (207) and a valve body extension (208) with an interior annular region (301). The valve body extension (208) comprises an inlet port (209) fluidically connected to the annular area (301). A gland packing push plate (211) is configured to allow the annular conduit (100) to pass through thereby forming an outlet port (212). This allows the removal of a portion of the fluid from the cold box for downstream processing or manipulation as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, SociétéAnonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventor: Alain Briglia
  • Patent number: 10620094
    Abstract: A sampling device for withdrawing a plurality of samples from a fluid container. The sampling device includes a support member for mounting into a port of a fluid container and a plurality of rotatable inserts, each insert having a through conduit forming an eccentric aperture within the distal end surface of insert, the through conduit being alignable and misalignable with a respective through passage of the support member by rotating the insert relative to the support member. In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of withdrawing a sample from a fluid container and the use of cylindrical elements to that effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: KEOFITT A/S
    Inventors: Henrik L. Salomon, Henrik Neuschäfer Larsen, Allan Otto Kjær
  • Patent number: 10605278
    Abstract: A system for detecting leaks in a hydraulic supply system for a double-acting hydraulic actuator is disclosed. The system may include a first conduit in fluid communication with a first chamber of the actuator, and with a second chamber of the actuator, and a directional control valve coupled with the first conduit and the second conduit. A directional control valve may be in fluid communication with a hydraulic oil supply line and may switch between the hydraulic oil being sent and received via the first conduit and second conduit. A valve can be associated with the oil supply line. A first and second flow meter can generate a first signal and a second signal, respectively, indicating flow rate within the first conduit and the second conduit. A controller may receive the first signal and the second signal, calculate their ratio, and cause the valve to inhibit flow within the oil supply line upon the ratio differing from a given ratio by more than a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Inventor: Mohammad Ebrahimi
  • Patent number: 10569162
    Abstract: A removable joystick for use with a video game controller includes a base shaft that is coupled to a joystick unit in the housing of the video game controller so that the proximal end of the base shaft extends to a location at or below an outer surface of the housing. A top shaft assembly is removably coupleable to the base shaft via a quick disconnect assembly. The top shaft assembly includes a top shaft with a proximal end that removably couples to a joystick ball, and a collar that is spring loaded and movably coupled to the top shaft and has a flange that extends outward from the outer surface of the collar. When the top shaft assembly is disconnected from the base shaft, the flange of the collar engages and retains a dust cover disposed over the collar to inhibit misplacement or loss of the dust cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Performance Designed Products LLC
    Inventor: Bradley M. Strahle
  • Patent number: 10571043
    Abstract: A press-fit in situ retrofit assembly for a top entry valve and a method thereof are disclosed. The assembly includes an annular conduit (201) including a segment (202) of reduced outside diameter and a shoulder (203) on the exterior surface at the proximal end (204), and is configured to conform with an interior surface (205) of a valve seat (206) at the distal end (207). A valve body extension (208) with an interior annular region (301), and an inlet port (209) fluidically connected to the annular region (301). A gland packing push plate (211) is configured to allow the annular conduit (201) to pass through thereby forming an outlet port (212). And a thrust plate (403) is attached to the thrust screws (401). The thrust plate (403) allows the segment (202) of reduced outside diameter at the proximal end (204) of the annular conduit (201) to pass through, with the thrust plate (403) seating on the shoulder (203).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Alain Briglia, Jianwei Li
  • Patent number: 10571488
    Abstract: A probe includes: a probe base body having a first end as a portion that contacts a test object in an inspection and a second end that contacts a contact point member; a covering member that covers the probe base body between the first end and the second end; and an enlarged diameter portion 6 provided at an exposed portion on the second end side of the probe base body. The probe is attached in a bent-deformed state by pressing a terminal portion on the first end side of the covering member against a base portion of the contact inspection device. The second end of the probe base body is pressed against a contact point of the contact point member by opposing force due to the pressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nihon Micronics
    Inventor: Tomoaki Kuga
  • Patent number: 10564659
    Abstract: An electric valve device (1) for household appliances, includes a hollow body (2) with an inlet (4, 5) and an outlet (5, 4) for a flow of a liquid, between which in the body (2) there is defined a chamber (6) wherein a first valve seat (7) is provided, a (first) obturator (17) moveably mounted in the chamber (6) and cooperating with the first seat (7) for controlling the communication between the inlet (4, 5) and the outlet (5, 4), and a movable member (12) coupled with the obturator (17) and displaceable towards and away from the first valve seat (7) and controlled by means of an electrically operable actuator (10) carried by said body (2). In the body (2) a second valve seat (8) is staggered with respect to the first valve seat (7) along the direction of displacement of the first obturator (7), to which is connected a second obturator (18) displaceable from and towards the second valve seat (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: ELBI INTERNATIONAL S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Molino, Maurizio Rendesi, Paolo Ravedati, Paolo Da Pont
  • Patent number: 10557648
    Abstract: A cooling/heating switching unit includes first to third fittings, expansion valves and expansion-valve driving sections, a housing, a heat insulating material, and a refrigerant leak detection sensor. The first and second fittings respectively connect with a high/low-pressure-gas main pipe and a low-pressure-gas main pipe, which are linked to an outdoor unit. The third fitting connects with an indoor-unit connection pipe, which is linked to indoor units. The expansion valve for high/low-pressure-gas pipe, the expansion valve for low-pressure-gas pipe, and expansion-valve driving sections selectively connect the first or second fitting with the third fitting via a refrigerant pipe to control a flow direction of refrigerant. The housing houses the refrigerant pipe. The heat insulating material fills inside of the housing to insulate the refrigerant pipe arranged inside of the housing from heat. The refrigerant leak detection sensor is installed outside of the housing to detect leaked refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Hitachi-Johnson Controls Air Conditioning, Inc.
    Inventors: Koji Naito, Naoyuki Fushimi, Kazumoto Urata, Gen Yasuda, Kazunori Fukuda
  • Patent number: 10557644
    Abstract: An adjustable drip pan designed to be installed into tightly-enclosed spaces. Specifically, an adjustable drip pan comprising a bottom pan, said bottom pan comprising a bottom floor, a reservoir, and one or more walls; and a top pan, said top pan comprising a top floor and a lip, wherein said one or more walls form a ridge. Said ridge, said bottom floor, and said reservoir create a water-impermeable basin for collecting water, and said bottom pan and said top pan are slidably adjustable in a plane along an axis, where adjustment of said bottom pan and said top pan is limited, in a first direction of said axis, by touching of said lip and said ridge, and in a second direction of said axis, by touching of a first one of said one or more walls all and said top pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Inventor: Lucas Steele
  • Patent number: 10550560
    Abstract: Methodologies, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for containing fluid from an overflowing toilet. An annular fluid containment basin is located near the base of a toilet and is configured to encircle the base of the toilet and collect fluid flowing down the exterior surface of the toilet. A moisture sensor is located within the annular fluid containment basin and configured to sense a spill. A drain is also located within the annular fluid containment basin to direct fluid to bypass an S-bend or trap connected to the toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Walmart Apollo, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Dwain Biermann, Nicholaus Adam Jones, Steven Jackson Lewis
  • Patent number: 10532796
    Abstract: A transfer structure for transfer of a fluid between a floating structure and a floating or non-floating facility and/or transmission of electric power between the floating or non-floating facility and the floating structure is disclosed. The transfer structure includes at least one attachment means passive-movably mounted relative to the transfer structure for releasable attachment of the transfer structure to the floating structure. The transfer structure is semi-submersible and floating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: CONNECT LNG AS
    Inventors: David Mikal Knutsen, Stian Tunestveit Magnusson, Magnus Eikens, Andreas Norberg, Kjetil Sjølie Strand
  • Patent number: 10526771
    Abstract: A flow monitoring system, which is configured to detect a leak in a water distribution system having appliances, includes a flow sensor. The flow sensor is configured to detect flow data of a flow of water within a conduit configured to fluidly couple to the appliances. The flow monitoring system also includes a processor. The processor is configured to receive the flow data from the flow sensor, determine whether a reference flow pattern (of a plurality of reference flow patterns) is present in the flow data (where the plurality of reference flow patterns correspond with expected water flow patterns to one or more appliance of the appliances), and initiate a shut-down mode configured to stop the flow of water in response to a determination that the reference flow pattern is not present in the flow data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: HS Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Ramsey Devereaux, Manfred Amann, Eric David Schroeder, Donna Moncrief Brown, Emily Margaret Gray, Jess W. Gingrich, Justin Dax Haslam, Sharon Kay Haverlah, Michael Kyne, Juspreet Kaur
  • Patent number: 10512950
    Abstract: A valve body with conduits on opposing sides having attachable pressure cover-plates and valve servicing assemblies that can be selectively installed onto the valve body while it is fully pressurized. The valve body includes simple isolators that allow access openings to be blocked and exposed that allow various style operating mechanisms and tools without the need for intermediate isolating mechanisms. Attachable subcomponents can provide pressurized fluid that is injected into the valve body from an external power source to move sand and debris away from seating surfaces while advancing and retracting various style gates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Maichel
  • Patent number: 10508576
    Abstract: A urea-filling device for diesel vehicles may include a urea-overflow-preventing space formed in a portion of a urea filler neck to temporarily accommodate urea flowing backwards from a urea tank, easily preventing urea from overflowing out of the urea filler neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Tae Yoon Lee, Seung Hoon Choi, Sung Won Lee, June Young Park
  • Patent number: 10488855
    Abstract: A system that provides localized monitoring of characteristics of instrument gas that a valve assembly uses to modulate the flow of a working fluid. The system includes components that generate an output in response to, for example, particulates, humidity, temperature, and other characteristics of the instrument gas. Processing of data and information in the output can help to diagnose changes in the characteristics of the instrument gas. This diagnosis is useful to predict a time frame during which the valve assembly and components associated therewith might fail and/or require maintenance before the valve assembly manifests significant problem that are detrimental to a process line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Dresser, LLC
    Inventors: Edward James Nieters, Frederick Wilson Wheeler, Harold Randall Smart
  • Patent number: 10427538
    Abstract: A thermal management system for a vehicle includes a vortex tube configured to generate hot and cold airstreams and a valve having hot and cold air inlets connected to the vortex tube to receive the hot and cold airstreams, respectively. The valve further has a vent and a valve outlet. A high-voltage electrical component is connected to the valve outlet by conduit to receive one of the hot and cold airstreams to thermally regulate the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Myers, John Peter Bilezikjian