With Second Control Patents (Class 137/39)
  • Patent number: 11969988
    Abstract: An oscillating roller system for a beverage can decorator is driven back and forth by a cam follower. A cam body having a cam is mounted to a frame of the inker system. Three oscillating cam roller assemblies are positioned about the cam body. Rotation of the cam oscillates the cam followers for each one of the oscillating rollers. Bearings of the oscillating roller assemblies includes an inlet gallery and outlet gallery for a closed loop lubrication system. The rollers are water cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Egerton, Michael Jonathan Coates, Daren Blake, Michael Halstead, Damien Bailey
  • Patent number: 11873990
    Abstract: A tip valve and a cook system incorporating same that automatically stops the flow of gas to a burner when tipped over and that automatically resets when disconnected from the fuel canister to allow the flow of gas to resume when righted and reconnected are provided. The tip valve includes a ball bearing freely moveable between a fuel canister actuator pin and a tip seal within a bore having two different diameters at each end thereof. The transition between the two diameters forms a taper that may be continuous forming a smooth tapered bore, or discontinuous formed by at least one counter bore. The automatic resetting is provided without the use of a mechanical pin or member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Paul Chartier, Michael Edward Hebert, Jr., Adam Emery Wilcox, Michael Steven Siopis
  • Patent number: 11858341
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing fuel overflow of a vehicle fuel tank includes: a valve unit including a valve body, a housing configured to cover a lower part of the valve body, a float mounted on the valve body and configured to slide up and down, a vapor line opened and closed according to a movement of the float, and a fuel inlet hole; a cover unit coupled to and enveloping the housing, the cover unit having a plurality of windows along an outer circumferential surface at a height corresponding to the fuel inlet hole, thereby being formed to allow the fuel to be introduced into the valve unit; and a shielding unit mounted on the cover unit to shield open windows, the shielding unit able to rotate along a turning direction of the vehicle to form an inflow path of the fuel flowing into the fuel inlet hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sang Dae Han
  • Patent number: 11635153
    Abstract: The invention relates to a safety device (2) for interrupting a gas flow within a gas-conducting device (1). An inertia body (32) moves from a resting position in the case of an acceleration above a specifiable acceleration threshold value acting on it. Due to the movement, the inertia mechanism (3) activates a reaction mechanism (4), which interrupts the gas flow within the gas-conducting device (1). In this process, the safety device (2) is free of gas flowing through it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: TRUMA GERÄTETECHNIK GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Claudio Peli, Paolo Robolini
  • Patent number: 11613937
    Abstract: This invention builds up on technical features and on the industry experience with the use of Merlin™ family connectors. In addition to friction, structural means utilized to transfer high torsional loads include keys and may also include: interlocked thread systems, shear pins, dog-clutch teeth and splines, all used in isolation or in arbitrary combinations. Static and fatigue bending load capacities of the connectors remain high, while the axial load capacities may or may not be high, depending on the design requirements. Connectors according to this invention can be built as new, carefully optimized designs. In some cases upgrading existing Merlin™ family connector designs to increase they torque transfer capacities may be also feasible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Inventor: Krzysztof Jan Wajnikonis
  • Patent number: 11608487
    Abstract: A fluid supply interface includes at least one supply coupling configuration, at least one discharge coupling configuration, at least one user coupling configuration, and a fluid conduit that connects the supply, discharge, and user coupling configurations to one another. A supply valve is capable of having fluid flow through it or is blocked for flow through it. A discharge valve is capable of having fluid flow through it or is blocked for flow through it. The supply valve is preloaded into a blocking position that prevents flow, and opens by means of a sufficiently large pressure difference between the two sides of the supply valve, against the preload force, for flow through in a direction from the supply coupling configuration toward the fluid conduit. The discharge valve likewise being preloaded into a closed position that prevents flow through it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Hamilton Bonaduz AG
    Inventor: Oliver Kühne
  • Patent number: 11603947
    Abstract: An emergency shut-off device comprises an activation means configured to generate an activation force in response to detecting a seismic event, and a magnetic driver having a hollow guide tube with two magnets affixed at a selected position on opposite sides along a length of the guide tube with like poles facing each other and a drive piston movable inside the guide tube. The driver piston is coupled to a third magnet and has a first end for receiving an activation force to move the third magnet crossing a magnetic repulse shift line formed by the two magnets, and a second end for applying the drive force to an output system to effectuate a shut-off of a fluid line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: DYNAMIC MAGNETICS, LLC
    Inventor: Richard C. Paschal
  • Patent number: 11598486
    Abstract: Hydrogen discharge system for a truck and truck comprising such system The invention concerns a hydrogen discharge system (14) for a truck, this system comprising a pipe (16) provided with at least one discharge opening (162), a deflector (18), that is rotatably mounted with respect to the pipe and that includes a vent, for venting hydrogen exiting through the discharge opening. The system further includes a balancing weight (22) secured to the deflector (18), so as to maintain the deflector in a configuration wherein the vent is facing upwards with respect to the ground, in order to always discharge hydrogen upwards relative to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Justin
  • Patent number: 11542742
    Abstract: A gatebox system for delivering fire retardant fluid from a firefighting aircraft. A first and second gate opening are formed through a lower portion of a gatebox. The gates are hingedly connected along edges of the openings. One or two drive shafts in the gatebox are rotatable in gates-closing and gates-opening directions. Crank arms are fixed to the drive shafts and coupled to the gates by connecting links, which define an over-center geometry while the gates are at a closed position, such that weight of the fluid on the first gate induces torque on the drive shaft in the gates-closing direction. Rotation of the drive shafts in the gates-opening direction enables control of the fluid flow from the hopper according to an angular position of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Inventor: Victor D. Trotter
  • Patent number: 11511622
    Abstract: A mounting structure for a fuel shutoff valve unit (U) includes a valve device (50) which is provided in a fuel tank (31) of a saddle type vehicle (1) and in which a breather passage (Y) which discharges volatile fuel to the outside is formed and a valve (51) which prevents leakage of liquid fuel is provided, wherein, in the saddle type vehicle including a filler tube (F) which is provided inside the fuel tank (31) and supplies fuel supplied from the outside to the inside of the fuel tank (31), a support member (B) which is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the filler tube (F) and supports the fuel shutoff valve unit (U) inside the fuel tank (31) is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ko Kurata, Hiroshi Inaoka, Ikuo Hara
  • Patent number: 11498635
    Abstract: A fuel tank structure that makes it difficult for mud, water, dust or the like to enter a fuel tank and that can restrict a fuel leakage path when a vehicle falls. A fuel cap includes a cap body mounted to a fuel supply port of a fuel tank, and a pressure adjusting device provided in the cap body to adjust a pressure in the fuel tank. In the fuel cap, a space is formed as a hermetically closed space in which the pressure adjusting device is accommodated, and the space communicates with an exterior of the fuel tank via a breather tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hikaru Yokomura, Atsushi Yamada, Keigo Mine, Tasuku Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 11401082
    Abstract: A cap assembly for a container and a method of assembly. The cap assembly includes a housing couplable to a container opening, the housing defining a housing opening communicating with the container opening; a cover operable to close the housing opening; and a retainer mechanism operable to releasably connect the cover to the housing, the retainer mechanism including a non-fusible member selectively contacting the cover and the housing, and a fusible member operable to hold the non-fusible member in contact with the cover and the housing in a retaining condition, the fusible member deforming at or above a threshold of the condition to allow the non-fusible member to move out of contact with one of the cover and the housing, in a release condition, to open the container opening to atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Power Packer North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Christopher Hughes, James Allen Miller, Michael Patrick Reinsvold
  • Patent number: 11339893
    Abstract: An emergency shut-off device comprises an activation means configured to generate an activation force in response to detecting a seismic event, and a magnetic driver having a hollow guide tube with two magnets affixed at a selected position on opposite sides along a length of the guide tube with like poles facing each other and a drive piston movable inside the guide tube. The driver piston is coupled to a third magnet and has a first end for receiving an activation force to move the third magnet crossing a magnetic repulse shift line formed by the two magnets, and a second end for applying the drive force to an output system to effectuate a shut-off of a fluid line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Dynamic Magnetics, LLC
    Inventor: Richard C. Paschal
  • Patent number: 11070249
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and devices are disclosed for controlling communications in respect of local area networks (20) having user-devices (22, 23, 24, 25) located therein operable to communicate via a local area network (LAN) gateway device (30) with remote devices in a communications network (10,15) outside the LAN (20), communications being carried via one or more LAN links (28) for at least a portion of a path between user-devices (22, 23, 24, 25) and the gateway device (30), and being carried via a digital subscriber (xDSL) line (19) for at least a portion of a path between the gateway device (30) and the remote devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: BRITISH TELECOMMUNICATIONS public limited company
    Inventors: Nicholas Farrow, Adrian Thurlow
  • Patent number: 11001138
    Abstract: It is disclosed a FLVV including: an upper cover provided in the fuel tank, and having an outlet duct; a casing coupled to the upper cover; the float, which is elastically provided inside the casing so as to be movable upward and downward, has a first valve seat provided on the upper surface of one side thereof so as to open and close a first outlet port by principle of a lever, and has a recessed surface formed at one side of the upper surface thereof; the plate elastically provided by a second spring at the recessed surface formed at the float, so as to open and close a second outlet port while moving upward and downward; and a lower cover closing the lower part of the casing and having the float elastically provided by a first spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: NIFCO KOREA INC.
    Inventor: Jeong Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 10941875
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for metering fluids, in particular liquid fluids, includes at least one fluid being guided out of at least one fluid reservoir through a closeable valve device in a discharge direction, at least one valve opening in the valve device being closed or opened by a valve closing member in order for the fluid to flow or be prevented from flowing through the valve opening, the opening and closing movement being performed magnetically by moving the valve closing member, which is arranged and moved in the fluid reservoir on an upstream side of the valve opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventor: Hans-Jörgen Beyer
  • Patent number: 10532175
    Abstract: Described herein are methods which involve minimizing or eliminating the occurrence of delayed negative effects that may arise from exposure to reduced oxygen partial pressure. An amount of supplemental oxygen, which substantially mimics a target oxygen partial pressure, is administered to an individual that is exposed to a reduced oxygen partial pressure environment, to compensate for the reduced oxygen partial pressure. The target partial pressure may be selected such that the individual experiences substantially no change in the oxygen partial pressure. Individuals receiving the supplemental oxygen may be healthy, have special sensitivities, or have a pre-existing neurological condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: MODEL SOFTWARE CORPORATION
    Inventor: John J. Kelly
  • Patent number: 10520103
    Abstract: A retrofit valve shutoff device comprises a coupling key for coupling with an actuator of a shutoff valve, an accelerometer for making acceleration measurements in three directions, a motor, and a processing unit. The processing unit determines the arrival of seismic P-waves when the ratio of vibrations' power in the vertical direction with respect to a sum of the vibrations' power in the three directions exceeds a first threshold. The processing unit then determines the arrival of seismic S-waves when the sum of the vibrations' power in the three directions exceeds a second threshold. The processing unit then determines the arrival of seismic surface waves when the sum of the vibrations' power in the three directions exceeds a third threshold. The processing unit then sends a signal to the motor to rotate the coupling key and the actuator of the shutoff valve to close the shutoff valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Inventors: Mohammad Taghi Fatehi, Parham Reza Fatehi, Keyvan Fatehi
  • Patent number: 10416616
    Abstract: A method adapted to provide alert signals to individuals or institutions and/or control signals to utilities control units to automatically stop the flow of gas, water, electricity, oil, etc., such signals being delivered in response to the detection of seismic events, the detection occurring via ground-based monitoring systems and/or satellite-based monitoring systems. The alert and/or control signals are distributed through various broadcasting systems or similar channels of communication, such as radio frequency transmitters, Internet service providers, cell phone wireless carriers, satellite phone service providers and/or security monitoring service providers, to individuals and/or facilities through smartphones, landline telephones, tablets, PC's, voice-controlled web communication devices or the like and/or to signal receivers on utilities control units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: E-SEISMIC SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventor: Everett Ogden
  • Patent number: 10377230
    Abstract: A filler cap for a fuel tank is disclosed that can prevent environmental pollution and also improve fuel consumption without discharging fuel or harmful gas evaporated therefrom to an exterior of the fuel tank, until a pressure in the fuel tank reaches a predetermined value. In summary, immediately after attaching the filler cap to a fill opening, pressures are balanced between an interior and an exterior of the fuel tank. A spring raises a valve body and the rise/fall member, so that a lateral outer circumference of the valve body point contacts with plural convex portions of a second side wall, thereby closing the valve portion. In such a state, coming and going of a fluid between a first space and an opening is not allowed. When a pressure in the fuel tank reaches 5 kPa, the fluid rise a first air passage formed in spaces between respective convex portions on the second side wall, passing the valve portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventors: Masao Iwami, Masashi Iwami
  • Patent number: 10132136
    Abstract: A fluid flow control system includes a flow control assembly having a fluid flow path for a flowing fluid. First and second flow control components are disposed in parallel in the fluid flow path, the first having a positive flowrate response to decreasing fluid viscosity and the second having a negative flowrate response to decreasing fluid viscosity. A valve is disposed in the fluid flow path in downstream series with the first and second flow control components. The valve has first and second inlet paths for fluid from the first and second flow control components, respectively, such that decreasing the fluid viscosity of the flowing fluid increases a ratio of the flowrate through the first control component to the flowrate through the second flow control component and such that when the ratio reaches a predetermined level, the valve autonomously shifts from an open position to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Veit
  • Patent number: 10100554
    Abstract: A gravity-actuated latch mechanism is provided. The gravity-actuated latch mechanism may include a strike attached to a lid of a container and a latch body attached to an inside wall of the container. The latch body includes a housing and a catch accessible from outside of the housing, wherein the catch engages and disengages with the strike. The latch body includes a lever having a lever arm moveable between an engaged and disengaged position. The engaged position is engaged with the catch and the disengaged position is disengaged with the catch. The latch body also includes a latch actuation ball housed in an elongated passage within the housing. The lever arm of the lever extends into the elongate passage, allowing the latch actuation ball to apply force to the lever arm to move the lever from the engaged to the disengaged position in response to tipping the container for dumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Northland Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Michael, Reed A. Davis
  • Patent number: 10047872
    Abstract: Concepts and technologies disclosed herein for relief valves (“relief valves”). A relief valve can include a flow path, a primary valve poppet that is urged or biased into a closed position by a tensioned spring, and a pilot valve in communication with a valve compartment of the relief valve. When an exterior space pressure overcomes the tensioned spring, the primary valve poppet can be overcome and pressure between an interior space and the exterior space can equalize, at least partially. When the pressure within the interior space increases beyond a defined threshold, which can be defined by a spring of the pilot valve, the pilot valve can open, the valve compartment can vent, and the tensioned spring again can be overcome and can open to allow at least partial equalization of pressures within the interior space and the exterior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Mark Alan Shelly
  • Patent number: 10011374
    Abstract: An apparatus for injecting a dose of medication into a bottle includes a tank, an outlet or mouth, a doser, and a conduit connecting the tank, the outlet mouth and the doser to each other. The conduit includes a portion disposed between the doser and the outlet mouth. The apparatus additionally includes a valve and a cursor movable internally of the portion of the conduit between an occluding position and an enabling position. A first magnet is borne by the cursor, while a second magnet arranged externally of the conduit is movable beside the conduit and interacts magnetically with the first magnet so that the second magnet is able to draw the cursor between the occluding position and the enabling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: MARCHESINI GROUP S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 9989164
    Abstract: In one example, a valve includes a body defining a chamber, and a spool disposed in the chamber and configured to move within the chamber, such that a first operating position of the valve is defined when the spool is in a first position in the chamber, and a second operating position of the valve is defined when the spool is in a second position in the chamber. The valve also includes a magnetic element connected to the spool and responsive to a magnetic field such that the spool is biased in a first direction when the spool is in the first position and the spool is biased in a second direction when the spool is in the second position, and the second direction is different from the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: TREBOR INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Craig Lee Jensen, Cody Lee Gehrke, Ronald Eugene Childers
  • Patent number: 9851016
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a pressure relief valve system comprises a valve body coupled to a pressure chamber. The valve body defines a vapor flow path between the pressure chamber and the atmosphere. A valve orifice in the valve body is configured to allow vapor to flow between the pressure chamber and the valve body. A vapor conduit comprises a vapor conduit first end coupled to the valve orifice and a second end opening into the pressure chamber. The vapor conduit forms a passageway between the vapor conduit first and second end. The vapor conduit also comprises a vapor conduit orifice near its first end. The vapor conduit orifice is configured to allow the vapor to flow from the pressure chamber into the vapor conduit. A gravity-operated valve positioned near the vapor conduit first end is configured to control the flow of vapor through the vapor conduit orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Trinity Tank Car, Inc.
    Inventor: Aubra D. McKisic
  • Patent number: 9811994
    Abstract: A carbon monoxide detection assembly includes a detection unit that may be positioned in an enclosed area. The detection unit includes a carbon monoxide sensor to detect carbon monoxide in the enclosed area. A remote unit is in electrical communication with a garage door opener and the detection unit. The remote unit turns the garage door opener on when the carbon monoxide sensor detects carbon monoxide. A valve is fluidly coupled to a fuel source for a gas appliance and the valve is in electrical communication with the detection unit. The valve restricts the fuel from flowing to the gas appliance when the detection unit detects carbon monoxide. A communication unit is in electrical communication with an emergency responder and the detection unit. The communication unit alerts the emergency responder that carbon monoxide has been detected in the enclosed area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventor: Thomas Salzer
  • Patent number: 9601947
    Abstract: A utilities control system with a DC powered control system located within a building or room and having in combination an occupant activation device, a seismic sensor and a wireless transmitter; a wireless receiver in combination with a utilities shut-off device, and whereby upon either a change in status of the occupant activation device or the sensing of a seismic event by the seismic sensor, a signal is transmitted from the wireless transmitter to the wireless receiver such that the utilities shut-off device is activated to stop delivery of utilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Inventor: Everett Ogden
  • Patent number: 9435449
    Abstract: Concepts and technologies disclosed herein for relief valves (“relief valves”). A relief valve can include a flow path, a primary valve poppet that is urged or biased into a closed position by a tensioned spring, and a pilot valve in communication with a valve compartment of the relief valve. When an exterior space pressure overcomes the tensioned spring, the primary valve poppet can be overcome and pressure between an interior space and the exterior space can equalize, at least partially. When the pressure within the interior space increases beyond a defined threshold, which can be defined by a spring of the pilot valve, the pilot valve can open, the valve compartment can vent, and the tensioned spring again can be overcome and can open to allow at least partial equalization of pressures within the interior space and the exterior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Mark Alan Shelly
  • Patent number: 9422876
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling safety of a bi-fuel vehicle may safely control the bi-fuel vehicle when it is in an accident. The method may include detecting a pressure of a vaporizer configured to decompress and vaporize liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) that is one fuel of the bi-fuel vehicle, determining whether the detected pressure of the vaporizer is equal to or higher than a predetermined high pressure, determining whether the detected pressure of the vaporizer is equal to or lower than a predetermined low pressure, determining whether an airbag has been inflated, and switching to a gasoline mode configured to use gasoline if at least one of the detected pressure is equal to or higher than the predetermined high pressure, the detected pressure of the vaporizer is equal to or lower than the predetermined low pressure, and/or the airbag has been inflated is determined to be true.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Yoo-Jin Seo
  • Patent number: 9404350
    Abstract: A flow control device for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment may include a main flow passage and a weep hole, wherein the main flow passage closes when a fluid is supplied to a first end of the valve that exceeds a selected rate and opens when the fluid supplied is below the selected rate and wherein the weep hole continues to allow the fluid therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Jason A. Allen
  • Patent number: 9188236
    Abstract: A casing includes a container in which a float valve is disposed. When the float valve is closed, the casing keeps the float valve in a closed state for a relatively long period of time. A sub-float valve is provided below the container in the casing, and is closed by floating on fuel at the time of a turn of a vehicle or an automatic stop of first refueling. When the first refueling is completed, air in the sub-float valve is discharged, and the sub-float valve loses its floating function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: KYOSAN DENKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Keiji Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9052027
    Abstract: A valve device for a fuel tank includes a float element accommodated vertically movably in a case. The float element has a seal member at an upper portion thereof. The fuel flowing into the case through the inflow portion rises the float element to seat the seal member on the vent valve port. A ventilation portion connecting between inside of the tank and inside of the case is formed at an upper face portion of the case positioned above a waterline of the float element when seated. The upper face portion of the float element positioned in close proximity to the upper face portion reduces the amount of ventilation through the ventilation portion when seated. The valve device for a fuel tank further includes a regulation portion at the upper face portion of the case in which the interval is constant between the upper face portion of the case and the upper face portion of the float element when seated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: NIFCO INC.
    Inventor: Toshio Wada
  • Patent number: 9045038
    Abstract: An assembly is provided that integrates a jet pump with a liquid trap to drain liquid fuel from vapor flow, such as vapor vented from a fuel tank. The assembly includes a housing that has a liquid trap configured to trap liquid carried in vapor flowing through the housing. A jet pump has a venturi nozzle and is in selective fluid communication with the liquid trap so that liquid flow through the venturi nozzle induces draining of the liquid trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Stefan Walter, Subrata Sarkar, Swethaghnya Kusa, Prakash Kotagond, Himanshu Joshi, Pritam Bhurke, Vaughn Mills
  • Patent number: 8857459
    Abstract: An earthquake triggered and electronically controlled shutoff valve for allowing or preventing a flow of a fluid. The shutoff valve incorporates a weight positioned on a pedestal and disengaged from a surrounding moveable tube. Upon sufficient vibrational force, the weight moves from its resting position on the pedestal and engages with the moveable tube to block the flow of the fluid through the shutoff valve. In addition to vibrational forces, the shutoff valve may be electronically triggered via a connector electrically connected to one or more solenoids positioned within the shutoff valve. The solenoids may engage with the weight upon electrical stimulation or may engage with a moveable member coupled to the moveable tube. An energy storage unit provides power for the solenoids such that the solenoids may function in the absence of external power to the shutoff valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Transtector Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Penwell, Jonathan L. Jones
  • Patent number: 8807523
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    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: 8720470
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Abdollah Hosseini, Vahid Saadatmand, Reza Giyahi
  • Patent number: 8720469
    Abstract: A safety shut-off device is provided for a liquid gas system for vehicles and/or vehicle trailers, in order to avoid an inadvertent release of gas. The device includes an electromagnetic gas valve for supplying/shutting off the gas, an electronic unit for activating the electromagnetic gas valve, and a flow sensor for determining a current gas flow being discharged from a storage tank. Furthermore, the device includes an evaluation unit for comparing the current gas flow to a previous gas flow or to a gas flow which is indicated by the gas consumers and is to be expected. If, during use, the evaluation unit determines a current gas flow which differs by more than a maximum permissible rate of change from the previous gas flow or from a gas flow which is indicated by the gas consumers and is to be expected, the electromagnetic gas valve is activated via the electric unit in order to shut off the supply of gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignees: Toptron GmbH, Cavagna Group SpA.
    Inventor: Wilhelm Cramer
  • Patent number: 8667978
    Abstract: A methods and system detecting water system leaks provides detecting of water leakage having very low flows. Very low flow leaks are detected by detecting drops in a building water system pressure when the water supply source is disabled. The water system is disabled by an electrically controllable valve, which may be turned off in response to a motion detector that detects that no human activity is present in the building. The rate of pressure drop is used to determine the magnitude of the leak, and multiple thresholds can be used to detect slow leaks versus more serious leaks. A humidity detector may also be incorporated in the system to detect abnormal humidity conditions and shut the electrically controllable valve in response. Appliance current consumption can be detected and used to override motion-sensor based shut-off of the valve, so that water-consuming appliances can continue to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Brent Ford
  • Patent number: 8567757
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    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: 8525650
    Abstract: A retrofit system includes a body, a cup and a valve. The body has a top wall and a plurality of side walls defining a opening and a chamber and is configured to be connected to a gas meter such that the chamber is in fluid communication with a chamber of the gas meter. An inlet channel is configured to be in fluid communication with an inlet of a diaphragm disposed within the gas meter and an outlet channel configured to be in fluid communication with an outlet of the diaphragm. The cup is disposed within an aperture located in the top wall and defines compartment configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) controller and a power supply. The valve is connected to one of the inlet or outlet channels and is electrically coupled to the RF controller and the power supply. The valve is configured to close in response to receiving an electrical signal from the RF controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Elster American Meter Company
    Inventors: Joseph Leonard Turgeon, Tod Wallace Bradley, John Carlton Kelly, Brian William Kochanowicz
  • Patent number: 8479763
    Abstract: A valve including a mechanical part, e.g. a float, for performing a ROV function (Roll Over Valve) and an electronic part, e.g. an electronically controlled solenoid valve, for performing a venting function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Société Anonyme)
    Inventors: David Hill, Saurin Mehta, Scott McCleary, Scott Garabedian
  • Patent number: 8286658
    Abstract: A tank venting system is configured to regulate air and fuel vapor flow between a fuel tank and a fuel vapor recovery canister. A roll-over valve is included in the tank venting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Stant USA Corp.
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Devall
  • Patent number: 7814924
    Abstract: A safety valve is positioned in supply plumbing that supplies a fluid medium such as natural gas to a point of use structure such as a home. A mechanical actuator is provided remote from the safety valve but mechanically connected to the safety valve. This allows the actuator to be positioned, for example, directly on the point of use structure, avoiding the need for separate bracing for the valve. The valve can be provided with a tee fitting or can be a separate gate valve. The mechanical actuator can be actuated by seismic disturbance, manually, or by activation by remote sensor or home security system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: James C. McGill
  • Patent number: 7650901
    Abstract: A gas shutoff valve having a ball normally residing in a first seat, wherein sufficient disturbance of the valve causes the ball to escape the first seat and settle into a second seat wherein a flow of gas is blocked. The first seat is on an upper surface of a seating ball held in a base portion of the valve. The seating ball is held in place by a plate and is adjustable to compensate for gas line angles away from vertical. Adjustments to the seating ball may be made using a leveling tool inserted through a tool port in the base portion and inserting into a tool seat in the seating ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Paul Engdahl
  • Publication number: 20090223568
    Abstract: An automated system for inflating balloons. A balloon inflator comprises an electronic control system that activates the pressurized gas source to inflate a balloon. The balloons are fed through the inflator on a belt and, at the appropriate time as governed by the electronic control system, pressurized gas is emitted into a balloon. Once the balloon bursts or is removed from the inflator, the belt is advanced and that the next balloon is inflated. In the preferred embodiment, the system comprises multiple inflators and the electronic control system is operated remotely using radio frequency signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Rodney Crandell, Raymond Crandell
  • Patent number: 7568493
    Abstract: An improved thermal relief vent for a fuel tank, and a method of manufacturing the same, includes a thermal relief ring that is used to create a mechanical seal within the vent. The thermal relief ring, at room temperature, is crimped in place by use of the vent cap itself. The crimped thermal relief ring creates a mechanical seal between the vent and the vent cap, up until a predetermined thermal relief point, at which time the thermal relief ring will soften and/or yield and release the vent cap from the vent body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventors: Neal L. Keefer, Kenneth A. Watson, John A. Loffink
  • Patent number: 7543597
    Abstract: A vent valve assembly utilizes a lever arrangement that opens a vapor discharge opening such as during normal operation of a motor vehicle to permit fuel vapor venting and that seals the vapor discharge opening such as when the motor vehicle is inclined to prevent liquid fuel from discharging through the vapor discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Alfmeier Corporation
    Inventor: Ralf Leonhardt
  • Patent number: 7527064
    Abstract: The fuel cutoff valve comprises a valve support on the upper part of the float, and the seat member is mounted on the valve support. The valve support has the bending space that has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the seal part. The seat member is formed from a rubber material, has a side wall formed in a cylindrical shape from the outer periphery of the seat part and a stopper on the side wall, forming the mounting space by being formed in an almost a rectangle shape cross section, and being supported on the valve support by fitting the valve support on the mounting space. The seat part is elastically deformed in the bending space direction when set on the seal part and closes the connection path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kito, Hiroshi Nishi
  • Patent number: 7493898
    Abstract: An inhalation apparatus for medicinal use which will deliver aerosolized medication to the patient that comprises up to about 80% of the medication aerosolized in essentially the same particle size distribution of the aerosol mist that originates from the nebulizer which produces the mist. The apparatus also provides delivered dose consistency over a wide range of patient breathing parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Healthline Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell King