Control By Change Of Position Or Inertia Of System Patents (Class 137/38)
  • Patent number: 11426615
    Abstract: An explosion isolation device is disclosed. The explosion isolation device may comprise a conduit having a flap configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position within the conduit, and a holding mechanism configured to hold the flap in the open position. The holding mechanism may be configured to release the flap in the event of an explosion and the flap may be configured to rotate into the closed position after it is released. The device may include a sensor and an actuator configured to actuate the holding mechanism when an explosion is sensed. The conduit may be vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: BS&B Innovations Limited
    Inventor: Geoffrey Brazier
  • Patent number: 11421554
    Abstract: An aircraft gas turbine engine comprises at least a first main engine shaft an electric machine coupled to the main engine shaft, and a lubrication pump configured to provide oil to at least a part of the electric machine. The lubrication pump is controlled by a controller. The controller is configured to operate the lubrication pump in a main gas turbine engine running mode, in which the lubrication pump is driven to provide lubrication to the electric machine at a first flow rate relative to the rotational rate of the main engine shaft, and a fault mode, in which the lubrication pump is driven to provide lubrication to the electric machine at a second, higher flow rate relative to the rotational rate of the main engine shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Paul R. Davies
  • Patent number: 11363935
    Abstract: A dishwashing appliance or variable spray assembly, as provided herein, may include a manifold body, a diverter valve, and a driver. The manifold body may define a fluid inlet, a first flow path, a second flow path, a first spray outlet, and a second spray outlet. The first and second flow paths may be downstream from the fluid inlet. The second flow path may be in fluid parallel to the first flow path. The second spray outlet may be spaced apart from the first spray outlet. The diverter valve may be mounted within manifold body and movable between a first zone position directing wash fluid to the first flow path and a second zone position directing wash fluid to the second flow path. The driver may be disposed outside of the manifold body to motivate the diverter valve between the first zone position and the second zone position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Edward Durham, Craig Curtis
  • Patent number: 11255451
    Abstract: A gas shut-off valve assembly designed to automatically close gas flow in a gas conduit in response to a seismic vibration comprises a door which may be parallel to a port in the conduit and a weight above the door. In some embodiments, the door may be mostly out of the conduit passageway and out of the gas flow allowing for improved gas flow efficiency in the normally open state. Upon sensing a seismic vibration, the weight falls from a platform onto the door causing the door to move into the conduit passageway sealing the passageway. In some embodiments, a port in the passageway is perpendicular to the door's default position in the open state. When the door closes the passageway, the door rotates ninety degrees about an axis into the second closed position to become parallel with the port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: VANCE. LP
    Inventors: Tod Minato, Ezra Kent, Rafael Quintana
  • Patent number: 11179741
    Abstract: An automatic liquid dispensing bottle cap with infrared induction and intelligent recognition, which relates to the technical field of daily necessities. It includes a bottle cap body, a lower motor shell, a motor and other components. The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: Through the setting of the infrared sensor, it can be widely used for liquid products such as shower gel, shampoo and hand sanitizer provided in medical institutions or public places. Compared with the traditional manual pressing head, the bottle cap can be removed and installed on liquid bottles of different sizes for use, or a general bottle body can be made for use with it. Its overall practicability is strong, and it has a great market promotion value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Inventor: Hongwei Liu
  • Patent number: 11098464
    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: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Waxman Consumer Products Group Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Sharratt, Tianzhe Wang, Martin Marsic
  • Patent number: 11078873
    Abstract: Provided is a fuel tank made of resin, including: a fuel tank body that is enclosed by a bottom wall, side walls, and an upper wall, the fuel tank body including a first storage portion, a second storage portion, and a coupling portion, the coupling portion communicating an upper portion of the first storage portion and an upper portion of the second storage portion; a pump module disposed in the first storage portion; an open portion formed in the first storage portion; a strut provided in the first storage portion; a separator provided on the strut; a suction portion disposed in the second storage portion; a fuel transfer line that communicates the suction portion to the pump module; a holding portion and a provisional holding portion provided at the separator, the provisional holding portion being configured to removably hold the extra-length portion of the fuel transfer line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinsuke Amano, Yuuki Nagase
  • Patent number: 10981615
    Abstract: A fuel tank system is provided with at least two separate tank bodies, each with a respective tank body interior, and a connecting element connecting the tank bodies for fluid communication. The tank bodies are connected to each other by means of a connector and are fabricated from a plastic material. The fuel tank system is formed with receiving means (5) for arrangement on a frame of a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, having a driver's saddle. The fuel tank system includes a distributor element with a fuel filling opening; the distributor element is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the tank bodies via at least one fluid-conducting connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: KTM AG
    Inventors: Fritz David, Herbert Fessl, Helmut Gröbner, Alexander Reindl
  • Patent number: 10906041
    Abstract: A fluid handling device has fluidic structures having inlet and outlet chambers and a connecting duct fluidically connecting the two. In a first state, the inlet chamber is completely or partly filled with at least a liquid and partly filled with a compressible medium, and the outlet chamber is at least partly filled with the compressible medium. One of the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber has such a venting duct that a flow resistance/volume product of venting of the chamber for the compressible medium amounts to at least 6700 N·s/m2, the other of the inlet chamber and of the outlet chamber being vented. An actuator for actuating the fluidic structures is to cause a pressure difference of at least 30 Pa between the compressible media within the inlet and outlet chambers, so as to thereby switch a valve device implemented into the connecting duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Hahn-Schickard-Gesellschaft fuer angewandte Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Gregor Czilwik, Mark Keller, Nils Paust, Tobias Hutzenlaub
  • Patent number: 10788139
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a traditional gate valve whereby the parts are retrofitted to enable the gate valve to stop the flow of water in an earthquake. This device utilizes a weight and springs to trigger a response which closes the gate valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Inventor: John Ernest Elwart
  • Patent number: 10751763
    Abstract: A method for utilizing a gas sampling panel is provide, including at least one system sample gas inlet, a purge gas inlet, a system outlet, a system vent outlet, a purge gas valve, at least one manifold station valve, a regulator isolation valve, a regulator, a flow meter inlet valve, a flow meter, a flow meter outlet valve, a relief valve, a process valve, a process check valve, a purge check valve, and a vent check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Airgas, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Marencik, Robert J. Grasmeder
  • Patent number: 10746310
    Abstract: A changeover valve includes a wall connection housing with at least one inlet channel and at least three outlet channels opening into a valve seat for receiving a valve upper part. The valve upper part has a base piece with at least three outlet openings connectable to a respective outlet channel via the valve seat. The valve upper part has at least one feed connected to the at least one inlet channel and connectable to at least one outlet opening via a control disc rotatable relative to a stationary inlet disc. The control disc engages with a spindle for rotating the control disc. The base piece has at least one positioning pin engaging into a positioning bore arranged in the valve seat. The valve seat has at least two positioning bores for engaging with the at least one positioning pin in different assembly positions of the valve upper part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Fluehs Drehtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Lutz Lange
  • Patent number: 10704383
    Abstract: One or more remote-operated sleeve valves are placed along a tubular string downhole. The sleeves can be opened and closed wirelessly, and in embodiments over and over again. Differential pressure between wellbore fluid pressure and an accumulator chamber enable repeated shifting. Each sleeve can have a unique actuation code removing constraints regarding sequence of operation and need for well intervention to access the sleeves. Hydraulic fracturing can be achieved without wellbore obstructions, and other operations benefit for reduced expense in service rigs and the ability or selectively shut off problem zones. Remote signals received downhole include those generated by percussive and seismic, distinguishable from background noise including during pumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: KOBOLD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Andreychuk, Per Angman, Allan Petrella
  • Patent number: 10626538
    Abstract: A washing machine appliance and methods of operation are provided. The washing machine appliance generally includes an apron and a sub-washer unit suspended within the apron by a plurality of dampers. A measurement device is mounted on the sub-washer unit to measure the movement of the sub-washer unit. The movement of each damper is calculated based on the relative position of the damper and the measurement device. By monitoring the movement of each damper, the amount of energy dissipated by each damper during operation may be calculated and the operation of the washing machine appliance may be adjusted when the amount of energy dissipated and/or power level exceeds a predetermined energy threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: David Scott Dunn
  • Patent number: 10557557
    Abstract: An apparatus to allow or stop an air flow into an enclosed environment or piping system comprises (a) a housing, (b) a first valve seat, (c) a first sealing member, (d) a second valve seat, (e) a second sealing member, (f) at least one locking mechanism configured to limit a movement of the first sealing member and/or the second sealing member; wherein the first sealing member moves away from the first valve seat when the second pressure is greater than the first pressure in a predetermined pressure difference; wherein the second sealing member moves away from the first valve seat when the third pressure is greater than the second pressure in a predetermined pressure difference; wherein the first pressure communicates with a system pressure in the piping system; and wherein the third pressure communicates with an ambient air pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Anthony Di Monte
  • Patent number: 10426937
    Abstract: A siphon guard includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet. A primary flow path is disposed within the housing and is in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. A secondary flow path is disposed within the housing and is in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. The secondary flow path has a higher resistance to fluid flow than the primary path. A valve is disposed within the primary flow path. The valve has a valve seat and a first ball and a second ball. The first ball is movable by gravity between a valve closed position, where the first ball is in contact with the valve seat, and a valve open position, where the first ball is spaced from the valve seat. The first ball is disposed between the second ball and the valve seat. The second ball is movable by gravity between a valve closed position and a valve opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: INTEGRA LIFESCIENCES SWITZERLAND SÀRL
    Inventor: Dextradeur Alan
  • Patent number: 10336453
    Abstract: A system and method for payload management for an unmanned aircraft system is disclosed. The payload management system and method may comprise a containment system configured to contain payload carried by the UAV/aircraft. The UAV/aircraft may be configured to carry payload in an external pod as part of the containment system. The pod carried by the UAV/craft may be fillable/inflatable to contain payload and facilitate aerodynamic performance of the UAV/craft carrying payload (e.g. on a mission from originator to destination for delivery in operating conditions). Systems and methods may provide managing and monitoring for payload carried by UAV/aircraft (e.g. with instrumentation).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Alistair K. Chan, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10295072
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a valve assembly for controlling a fluid to flow only in a certain direction according to inclination directions. A valve body 10 of the valve assembly includes a partition 14 formed with a through hole 14a and dividing an inside into a first internal channel 18a and a second internal channel 18b, a first entrance 12a for supplying a fluid from the first internal channel to an outside or a fluid from the outside to the first internal channel, and a second entrance 12b for supplying a fluid from the second internal channel to an outside or a fluid from the outside to the second internal channel. Further, a first check roller 11a and a second check roller 11b are in close contact with or separated from the through hole by buoyancy or sedimentation according to inclination directions of the valve body, thereby controlling the fluid to flow in a certain direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: HYUNDAEKANGJEON CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yong-Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 10271675
    Abstract: A heatable canteen includes a hand held vessel having a bottom and upward extending wall which terminates into a top having an open top receiving surface, a removable cap connected to said top receiving surface, the removable cap having an outer portion which removably sealably connects to the top receiving surface and has an interior channel extending therethrough and has a valve seat in a lower end thereof and a valve ball installed in a manner to bias the valve ball against the valve seat to a normally closed position. A secondary vessel is provided about the hand held vessel. A lid is connected to the vessel or cap by way go a heatable line. A distillation tube removably connects to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Daniel J. Anerino
  • Patent number: 10183642
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to airbag systems for vehicles. The airbag systems may reduce the secondary impact forces felt by an object upon rebounding from an initial impact with an external airbag by encasing or substantially surrounding the pedestrian with the external airbag. The airbag system may include an initial impact airbag and a secondary impact airbag, wherein the secondary impact airbag is configured to reduce injury caused by a secondary impact of an object upon after an initial impact of the object with the initial impact airbag. The initial impact airbag may be configured to be deployed at a location where the object is predicted to collide with the vehicle. The secondary impact airbag may comprise one or more arms configured to surround the object upon the initial impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventors: Peter Craig Lombrozo, Felix Jose Alvarez Rivera, Daniel Lynn Larner, Atul Gupta
  • Patent number: 10183334
    Abstract: A selection system, comprising: a sheath defining an internal housing extending in a longitudinal direction; a link rod disposed in said internal housing, and extending in the longitudinal direction; and a selection slide mounted to slide in the internal housing, about the link rod; the link rod being held stationary relative to the sheath against movement in translation in the longitudinal direction by stop means; the system being characterized in that the stop means comprise: a base that is a body of revolution and includes a conical portion; and a shell comprising two shell portions each including a conical portion configured to come to bear in plane manner against the conical portion of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: POCLAIN HYDRAULICS INDUSTRIE
    Inventors: Loic Bonnard, Dominique Costaz, Julien Viard
  • Patent number: 10081488
    Abstract: An automatic aeration device includes a first floating roof, a second floating roof and a movable valve. The first floating roof has a through hole and a first enclosure. The second floating roof is disposed in the through hole and has a second enclosure. The movable valve is disposed above the first floating roof and the second floating roof and has a plate which has an outer wall and an inner wall. The outer wall is mounted in the first enclosure and has a plurality of first vent holes. The inner wall is mounted in the second enclosure and has a plurality of second vent holes. The automatic aeration device further includes a plurality of balls mounted between the first enclosure and the outer wall, and mounted between the second enclosure and the inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Full Most Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming-Chun Weng, Ming-Tsang Yu, Wen-Pin Pen
  • Patent number: 9981623
    Abstract: An occupant restraint system 1 includes a seatbelt device 3 having a webbing 5 that is designed to extend obliquely across an occupant, seated on a seat, so as to pass through a shoulder part located on one side in a lateral direction and a part in front of a waist part located on the other side, and thereby to restrain an upper body of the occupant. The occupant restraint system 1 also includes an airbag device 4 having a bag body 10 that is installed on the webbing 5 in a folded state and designed to expand and deploy upon input of an impact load and thereby to restrain a periphery of a neck part of the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Seiji Kobata
  • Patent number: 9897208
    Abstract: A flat gasket with at least one extended carrier layer is described. Such flat gaskets are for instance used as transmission plates or also as cylinder head gaskets. They are also used in the area of the exhaust line of a combustion engine. The at least one extended carrier layer has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The layer also has a passage opening for a fluid which penetrates the carrier layer. The circumferential edge of each of the two surfaces has one or several projections which encircle the passage opening at least in sections and protrude into the passage opening. A functional element is arranged in the passage opening, which is held by the one or several projections in the passage opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Reinz-Dichtungs-Gmbh
    Inventors: Kurt Hoehe, Robert Blersch, Guenther Unseld
  • Patent number: 9846413
    Abstract: A safety shut-off system and method are provided for eliminating power to a load in the event of smoke detection. The system may comprise a device located at the appliance for detecting a signal from a smoke detector, and cutting power to the appliance only when the appliance is in use. The device may be synchronized with any standard smoke alarm signal to reduce the number of false positive shut-offs. The system may also comprise a smoke alarm hard-wired to a circuit breaker, for shutting off power to all appliances on a particular breaker upon receipt of a signal from the smoke alarm, and only when the appliances on the breaker are in use. The system may also have the ability to shut off one breaker, multiple breakers, or all breakers at different time increments to actively prevent and reduce the damages caused by fires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: FIRE AVERT, LLC.
    Inventors: Peter Thorpe, Michael Sanders, Chase Roberts, Kevin Sanders, Zack Bomsta
  • Patent number: 9847628
    Abstract: Invention describes apparatus of configurable electrical circuits controlling and distributing electrical DC power adaptable to ambient environment and specification of a device connected to the apparatus. The apparatus executing a control algorithm within an acceptance criteria for adaptable plug-and-power distribution and communications for: residential, commercial, industrial applications, electro-mechanical devices and computer systems. Invention transforms existing labor-intense installations into plug-and-power modular systems. For a specific project, pre-designed, pre-fabricated kits of factory assembled and tested power control modules and interface cables, are delivered directly to installation site. Invention improves safety, reliability, and efficiency of power distribution, significantly lowers installation time and expenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Zachary Leonid Braunstein
  • Patent number: 9688150
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an environmentally-friendly vehicle perform a safety function by blocking a high voltage output of a high voltage battery at the time of a rear-lateral side collision of the environmentally-friendly vehicle. The high voltage blocking function is smoothly performed at the time of the rear-lateral side collision accident by determining a rear-lateral side collision of the environmentally-friendly vehicle using a blind spot detection sensor, a lane change alert sensor, or a rear cross traffic alert sensor, along with a yaw rate sensor that detects a yaw rate, and turning off a relay of the high voltage battery at a moment when the rear-lateral side collision is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jae Yong Seong, Do Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 9681932
    Abstract: An intraoral biofilm control apparatus including a suction unit, a suction chamber positioned within and in communication with an inner space of the suction unit, a tubular connection member operably connected to and extending into the suction chamber, and an angular head member adjustably connected to an upper end of the tubular connection member is provided. The suction chamber, in communication with the suction unit, creates a negative air pressure in an inner space of the suction chamber. The angular head member in fluid communication with the suction chamber via the tubular connection member, contacts and suctions the intraoral biofilm from the intraoral areas into the inner space of the suction chamber when the negative air pressure is created. The angular head member having an angularly curved suction tip configurably accesses the intraoral areas. The angular head member having a suction plate suctions the intraoral biofilm from intraoral tongue areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: HANKOOKIN, INC.
    Inventors: James Jiwen Chun, Andrew Youngho Chun, Angela Soyoung Chun, Jennifer Miseong Chun
  • Patent number: 9651166
    Abstract: A microfluidic valve system includes a substrate, a valve seat a compliant membrane and a mechanically actuable displacement element. The substrate includes first and second channels embedded within it and includes a first layer of material and a second layer of material. The valve seat is in fluid communication with the first and second channels. Portions of the second layer of material form sidewalls of the second channel and the valve seat. The mechanically actuable displacement element applies a mechanical force to the compliant membrane to bring the compliant membrane into sealable contact with the valve seat, thereby closing the valve system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Mescher, Jason O. Fiering, Erin E. Swan
  • Patent number: 9593555
    Abstract: A system can include at least one check valve which prevents outward flow through a wall of a tubular string in a well, the wall surrounding a longitudinally extending flow passage of the tubular string. The check valve can include a ball or poppet which sealingly engages a seat. Another system can include multiple redundant check valves which prevent outward flow through a wall of a tubular string in a well. A well tool can include multiple redundant check valves which prevent flow in one direction through the wall, and which permit flow in an opposite direction through the wall. Each of the multiple redundant check valves can include a ball or poppet which sealingly engages a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Vick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9475509
    Abstract: A guided ground vehicle that travels on a track having an electric contact rail for supplying electricity to the vehicle, the rail including several electrical circuits, each electrical circuit being connected to at least one electric switching member. The vehicle includes a device for managing a derailment of the ground vehicle and generating means for generating a control signal for controlling one of the electric switching members connected to the electrical circuits positioned across from the ground vehicle, to close that electrical circuit. The device includes detecting means for detecting the derailment of the ground vehicle and processing means connected to the detecting means and to the generating means. The processing means are adapted to deactivate the generating means to inhibit the generation of the control signal, in order to cause the opening of the circuits across from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Alstom Transport Technologies
    Inventor: Emmanuel Flamanc
  • Patent number: 9462747
    Abstract: A walk behind mower is configured to be stored in a vertical position or orientation. In one implementation, the mower disables a brake release based upon positioning of a handle. In one implementation, the mower facilitates oil changes while the mower is in the vertical orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Brigs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Jacob J. Schmalz
  • Patent number: 9269516
    Abstract: An original apparatus that will react and shut off a main fluid source during a severe earthquake. A steel ball is held at an elevated position by a secured magnet. In a severe earthquake, the seismic vibrations will cause the steel ball to break away from the magnet and fall onto the slide trigger. The weight of the steel ball and slide trigger will be pushed down and the slide trigger shall engage a momentary switch that will send voltage to a normally open motorized ball valve and cause it to close. The apparatus can be reset by manually pulling upward the lift handle towards the top cap. Resulting in the momentary switch to disengage and the voltage will seize to power the normally open motorized ball valve, causing it to go back to its normally open state. Thus allowing the fluid to pass through the ball valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventor: Steve Javier Solis
  • Patent number: 9227210
    Abstract: The invention discloses a cap of spray mineral water bottle, including cap body, spray means and water locking means. This cap of spray mineral water is used with resilient mineral water bottle body to form a multifunctional spray mineral water bottle, which can ensure normal drinking of mineral water as well as carry out spray drinking of water by means of squeezing the bottle body to transform bottle body and increase the pressure inside the bottle, thus making water to enter inlet from the outlet of water locking means on the cap, and to enter the atomizing channel through the water channel, finally to be sprayed from the spray aperture. Furthermore, in the open air or in the dusty and hot environment, you can place the mineral water bottle upside down, put the nozzle to face your body or surrounding, and squeeze the bottle body to spray, thus reducing surrounding temperature, as well as subsiding dust by combining dust and spray to make you feel cool, fresh and comfortable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Sun Solutions LTD.
    Inventor: Chang Ho Chang
  • Patent number: 9169028
    Abstract: A tank (10) having a casing (20) with a bottom (21) together with a side wall (23) and a top wall 22. The tank (10) has at least one sloping wall (30) for providing at least one slope (30) for directing fuel towards a predetermined zone (100) of the tank (10) by gravity, the sloping wall (30) subdividing the inside volume of the tank into a main volume (V1) and an under-slope volume (V2) both of which are to receive fuel. The tank (10) is provided with a fuel transfer system (40) for transferring fuel from the under-slope volume (V2) to the main volume (V1), and from the main volume (V1) to the under-slope volume (V2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters
    Inventors: Roland Meillat, Stephane Mougin, Quitterie Brescon
  • Patent number: 9097389
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and preventing electrically induced fires in a gas tubing systems constructed of Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) and Gas Appliance Connectors (GAC). The system of the present invention may include one or more energy detection schemes to detect electrical energy surges on the gas line. When such a surge is detected, the control circuitry of the present invention causes an electric two-way main gas valve to de-energize into a position wherein the flow of gas from a gas feeder pipe to the gas tubing system is blocked and residual gas pressure in the gas tubing system is automatically vented to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: GOODSON HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Mark E. Goodson
  • Patent number: 9080680
    Abstract: A gas shut-off valve assembly designed to automatically close gas flow in a gas conduit in response to a seismic vibration comprises a trigger mechanism disposed in a trigger mechanism housing, a springless sealing mechanism disposed in a valve housing, a latching mechanism configured to engage the springless sealing mechanism to keep the gas conduit open, and a pressure release valve. Upon sensing a seismic vibration, the trigger mechanism disengages the springless sealing mechanism from the latching mechanism. Simultaneously, the springless sealing mechanism swings down and rotates around an axis by gravitational force to close off gas flow in the conduit. To reopen gas flow, the pressure release valve is actuated to relieve accumulated gas pressure inside the valve housing and the springless sealing mechanism is manually reset to its original open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Little Firefighter Corporation
    Inventors: Tod Minato, Ezra Kent, Rafael Quintana
  • Patent number: 9057453
    Abstract: A low-cost safety valve for gas lines and similar supply lines that can be remotely activated via a secure wireless link employing a low leakage sealing mechanism that is compatible with low energy actuators to for extended battery life. A miniaturized controller and wireless electronics assembly provides the control mechanism for actuating the valve, as well as reporting data regarding the valve status to wireless interrogators or external networks via an ad hoc wireless network. A variety of simple magnetic valve operating mechanisms can be implemented with the miniaturized electronic control circuits and the valve body. Such control actuation mechanisms enable automatic resetting or manual resetting valves. The gas line shut off valve can provide important safety benefits at an affordable price. An RFID transceiver may be included to enable low-power operation and communications using RFID technologies as well as an automatic antenna tuning capability to maximize radio range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: GAS SENTINEL, LLC
    Inventors: Barth R. Pitchford, John H. Pitchford, William D. Pitchford, Donald S. Pitchford, Steven Nagel, Benedict J. Nardi, Russell S. Smith, Robert Simon
  • Patent number: 8961100
    Abstract: An exemplary valve device for controlling flow of a turbomachine fluid includes a housing and a flow control assembly within the housing. The housing has a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet. Movement of the housing to a first orientation causes the flow control assembly to move to a first position to restrict flow of a turbomachine fluid into the housing through the second inlet. Movement of the housing to a second orientation causes the flow control assembly to move to a second position to restrict flow of the turbomachine fluid into the housing through the first inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Enzo DiBenedetto, Francis Parnin, Robert E. Peters
  • Patent number: 8905078
    Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling water droplet movement including providing a substrate including a superhydrophobic surface on which a hydrophilic channel guiding water droplet movement is patterned, introducing a water droplet on the substrate, and modulating a slope of the superhydrophobic surface for the water droplet to move on the superhydrophobic surface along the hydrophilic channel. Here, a width of the hydrophilic channel is modulated for the water droplet to move on the superhydrophobic surface having a certain angle with respect to a ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Hae-Shin Lee, In-Seong You, Sung-Min Kang
  • Patent number: 8890711
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing safe reconnection of remotely disconnectible gas meters. In accordance with the present subject matter, a gas metering device is provided with a remotely controllable valve and has associated therewith indicia uniquely identifying the meter. A gas company representative or other authorized person must be physically present to read the meter associated data, enter corresponding data into a handheld device, and transmit a signal from such handheld device to the meter to initiate reclosure. In such manner, physical presence of a gas company representative is required at the time of reconnection to provide other services and functionality such as equipment inspection and/or pilot relighting as required for safety considerations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark K. Cornwall, Barry Cahill-O'Brien, Robert J. Strasser
  • Patent number: 8857458
    Abstract: A mechanical earthquake valve which enables the supply of the fluid (gas) passing through itself to be automatically stopped and restarted owing to the sensor that detects the seismic movement resulting from an earthquake and which comprises the combined use of said sensor mechanism and at least one valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: Ibrahim Colak
  • Patent number: 8836522
    Abstract: A safety shut-off system and method for eliminating power to a load in the event of smoke detection. The system may comprise a device located at the appliance for detecting a signal from a smoke detector, and cutting power to the appliance only when the appliance is in use. The device may be synchronized with any standard smoke alarm signal to reduce the number of false positive shut-offs. The system may also comprise a smoke alarm hard-wired to a circuit breaker, for shutting off power to all appliances on a particular breaker upon receipt of a signal from the smoke alarm, and only when the appliances on the breaker are in use. The system may also have the ability to shut off one breaker, multiple breakers, or all breakers at different time increments to actively prevent and reduce the damages caused by fires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Fire Avert, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Thorpe, Michael Sanders, Chase Roberts, Kevin Sanders, Zack Bomsta
  • Publication number: 20140216569
    Abstract: A gas breaker includes a case with a chamber defined therein. The case includes an inlet path and an outlet path which is located corresponding to the inlet path. A board is pivotably located in the chamber and has a sealing member on the first end thereof for sealing the outlet path, and an extension extending from the second end of the board. The extension is engaged with a hook on a hook plate pivotably located in the chamber. When earthquake happens, the hook plate swings due to the earthquake so as to separate the hook and the extension. The sealing member on the first end of the board seals the outlet path to cut off the gas so that the gas cannot enter the gas line of the house.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: HUI-MING LIN
  • Patent number: 8701703
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for controlling gas flow via a gas shut-off valve assembly. In at least one embodiment, the assembly is configured to drive its shut-off valve from an open position to a closed position, in response to detecting a valve closure condition. The assembly in one or more embodiments operates as an intelligent node in an AMR network, and it interprets a received closure command as a closure condition. Additionally, or alternatively, the assembly detects abnormal operating conditions as the closure condition. Advantageously, the assembly performs initial closure verification, based on detecting movement of the valve into the closed position, and performs subsequent closure verification, based on monitoring downstream gas pressure. In the same or other embodiments, the assembly provides enhanced stand-alone reliability and safety by incorporating one or more valve clearing/cleaning routines into its operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Sensus USA Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Scott, Dirk Steckmann, Daniel W. Peace, Doug Vargas
  • Patent number: 8695858
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a pouring device for a container for the dosing of liquid. The pouring device has an improved air valve system that works via cooperation between a weighted magnetic component and a metal ball in order to control opening and closing of the air valve inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Achim Philipp Zapp
  • Patent number: 8602165
    Abstract: An assembly for holding a fluid includes an auxiliary reservoir inside a main reservoir. The auxiliary reservoir includes an auxiliary reservoir shell with a fill passage at or near its bottom. The auxiliary reservoir shell also has a vent passage at or near its top. The fill passage and the vent passage fluidically connect the auxiliary reservoir to the main reservoir. A fluid inlet is located inside the main reservoir and outside of the auxiliary reservoir. A fluid outlet located inside the auxiliary reservoir between the fill passage and the vent passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Szolomayer, David L. Motto
  • Patent number: 8534319
    Abstract: Methods and devices using a co-radial arrangement of serial siphon structures composed of siphon valves each separated by a capillary valve to save radial space in a fluidic system. Such serial siphon valves allow to sequentially distribute liquids in a fluidic system upon application of successive centripetal accelerations and decelerations applied to a rotary platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignees: Universite Laval, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michel G. Bergeron, Regis Peytavi, Horacio Kido, Marc Madou
  • Publication number: 20130233408
    Abstract: A method of calibrating an outflow valve on an aircraft may include determining if the aircraft has reached a predetermined cruise condition. The outflow valve may be moved until a closed position is reached, if the aircraft has reached the predetermined cruise condition. An actual position feedback value of the outflow valve may be determined while the aircraft is in the predetermined cruise condition. An offset calibration factor may be determined from the actual position feedback value of the outflow valve relative to a theoretical value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: DARRELL HORNER, TIMOTHY BISS, GERARD MCCOY, TIM HILZENDEGER, JOAQUIN RABON, TIMOTHY R. ARTHURS
  • Publication number: 20130206236
    Abstract: The various embodiments herein disclose a system and a method for regulating a flow of fluid stream in fluid storage and dispensing systems. The system comprising a valve arrangement including a compressed air unit bloated by a connecting air inlet tube, a frame and a valve elevating means to mount the valve arrangement on the frame, several sensors to detect one crisis factor, a communication unit, a data logger and processing unit, a remote management system and several actuators to regulate the operation of the valve arrangement. The valve arrangement shuts down the outflow of fluid stream on receiving a valve shutdown signal from one of the sensors and data processing unit in case of a crisis detection. The data processing unit informs the remote management system to take adequate safety measures through the communication unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Abdollah Hosseini, Vahid Saadatmand, Reza Giyahi