Manual Control Patents (Class 137/390)
  • Patent number: 11578813
    Abstract: An overfill-prevention valve system includes a testing mechanism, operable by a user from the inlet end of the drop tube, which can be used to verify proper valve function without actually filling the storage tank. The testing mechanism allows the user to actuate the valve manually using a test probe, such as by elevating a float to simulate a full storage tank. The testing mechanism may be located upstream of the valve to facilitate the testing operation without interfering with the valve body. The mechanism may further provide non-contact functionality, such as with magnetic actuators on either side of the drop tube wall, to eliminate a potential test mechanism leak points. The test probe used to actuate the test mechanism may be shaped to define a desired rotational position at the test location within the drop tube, ensuring proper rotational alignment of the magnetic actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: FRANKLIN FUELING SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Justin F. Kuehn, Michael Christopherson
  • Patent number: 11091902
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a lockable toilet fill valve and methods according to the present invention. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve includes a float/arm assembly. The toilet fill valve is closed when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a first position. The toilet fill valve being open when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a second position. A shuttle switch is associated with the float/arm assembly. The shuttle switch includes an unlock position and a lock position, wherein the shuttle switch fixes the float/arm assembly in the first position when the shuttle switch is in the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Danco, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry L. Schneider
  • Patent number: 10942532
    Abstract: A confined, fully or partially liquid-filled container having at least one flexible wall, utilizing the effect of gravity on liquid in the container to generate a force that acts on an actuator mechanism to operate a normally-closed control valve. In preferred embodiments, the container is a simple sealed bag partially liquid-filled and air-free. The flexible-walled container contains a predetermined quantity of liquid. The bag is confined by walls of a housing formed of a non-flexible material, and is affixed to the housing preferably to an upper wall of the housing in any conventional way. The housing is disposed in a vessel for holding a liquid and is having one or more apertures, which are in fluid communication with the interior of the vessel and through which liquid can enter from the vessel into the housing to a level corresponding to a desired level of liquid in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: COMETFLO LTD.
    Inventors: Yoseph Feldman, Emanuel Mendes
  • Patent number: 10661029
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a housing can define a reservoir. A lower cap can be coupled to the housing and define an outlet, and an upper cap can be coupled to the housing and can define an inlet. The upper cap can include an extending portion extending laterally a distance beyond an outermost extending portion of the lower cap relative to a central axis of the housing such that, when the lower cap and the extending portion of the upper cap contact a horizontal surface, the central axis of the housing is transverse to the surface and a sealing member is configured to sealingly engage a sealing surface of a valve seat prior to a liquid fluid level within a reservoir decreasing below a minimum threshold fluid level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: 410 Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Galen C. Robertson, Andrew W. Lane, Savannah K. Carlsen, Mark D. Piehl, Robert W. Titkemeyer, Stephen Latham, Douglas Rodenkirch, Jesse Darley, Curtis Irwin, Amrish Chourasia
  • Patent number: 10588330
    Abstract: A machine for making liquid and/or semi-liquid products for the ice cream, pastry or catering trade, including: a processing container forming a processing chamber for making an ice cream product; a stirrer mounted inside the processing chamber; a thermal treatment system provided with at least one heat exchanger associated with the processing container, for exchanging heat with the container; a feed unit including a container containing a basic preparation for an ice cream, pastry or catering product, and a pressurized gaseous fluid injection device configured to inject the gaseous fluid into the container in such a way as to cause the basic preparation to be expelled from the container and transferred to the processing container; a diluting liquid injection device for delivering a diluting liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: ALI GROUP S.R.L.—CARPIGIANI
    Inventors: Andrea Cocchi, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Patent number: 10518691
    Abstract: A system is provided for providing enhanced suction evacuation of a fluid storage tank, the system having a suction pipe disposed parallel and proximate to the bottom of the tank, having a section of the pipe proximal to the bottom of the tank being an opening through which the liquid is evacuated. The system may further provide a sump that is disposed on the bottom of the tank and not aligned with the opening of the suction pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: United Plastic Fabricating Inc.
    Inventors: F. Joseph Lingel, Andrew Lingel, Stanley Wojnowski, Michael Ashley
  • Patent number: 10399845
    Abstract: A testable overfill prevention valve (“TOPV”) for a liquid storage container. The TOPV allows an individual to readily verify the operability of the TOPV. Preferably, a test member of directly contacts a portion of a latch to release a flow control member so that the flow control member can move from an open position to a closed position wherein in the closed position liquid is generally prevented from flowing out the TOPV. The test member preferably directly contacts the flow control member to move the control member to an intermediate position between open and closed positions allowing an individual looking down into the TOPV to see that the flow control member has moved sufficiently to confirm operability of the TOPV. Preferably, the test member is spring biased to a non-testing position and the entire test member is disposed in the housing of the TOPV when in a testing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: EMCO WHEATON RETAIL CORPORATION
    Inventors: James L. Lawrence, Nicholas P. Clontz
  • Patent number: 10371283
    Abstract: An overfill-prevention valve system includes a testing mechanism, operable by a user from the inlet end of the drop tube, which can be used to verify proper valve function without actually filling the storage tank. The testing mechanism allows the user to actuate the valve manually using a test probe, such as by elevating a float to simulate a full storage tank. The testing mechanism may be located upstream of the valve to facilitate the testing operation without interfering with the valve body. The mechanism may further provide non-contact functionality, such as with magnetic actuators on either side of the drop tube wall, to eliminate a potential test mechanism leak points. The test probe used to actuate the test mechanism may be shaped to define a desired rotational position at the test location within the drop tube, ensuring proper rotational alignment of the magnetic actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Franklin Fueling Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Justin F. Kuehn, Michael Christopherson
  • Patent number: 9983598
    Abstract: A fully-integrated flow-control valve assembly for top-filled fuel tanks incorporates both a float valve assembly and a shut-off valve assembly in a single unit that screws into a threaded aperture in the top of the fuel tank. Whereas all other systems having similar function rely on an inlet valve and a level control/vent positioned apart from one another and intercoupled with a bleed line that runs either inside or outside the fuel tank, the device of the present invention directly mounts the two devices together and allows a simple installation. There is no need for a line that couples two remotely positioned units of the prior art flow-control assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Charles Cooley
  • Patent number: 9499048
    Abstract: The present application relates to a support arm assembly (39) for mounting in a fuel tank (1). A support arm (43) is provided to support a fuel transfer tube (17) for transferring fuel to a fuel pump (11). A support foot (49) is provided to support the support arm (43) at a predetermined position within the fuel tank (1). The support foot (49) biases the support arm assembly (39) against a roof of the fuel tank (1). The present application also relates a support foot (49) for mounting in a support arm assembly (39). The combination of a fuel tank (1) and the support arm assembly (39) is also envisaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: JAGUAR LAND ROVER LIMITED
    Inventors: George Thirlaway, Steve Checkley, Adam Grant
  • Patent number: 9108738
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a refueling system for a number of fuel tanks, a primary valve, and a secondary valve. The refueling system has branches capable of distributing fuel into the number of fuel tanks. The primary valve is associated with a primary branch in the branches. The primary valve and the secondary valve are independently controlled to change a distribution of the fuel through the branches into the number of fuel tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Tracy Lee Tweet, Arshad Nazir, Dennis W. Seibold
  • Patent number: 9057548
    Abstract: A receiver (50) is provided for collecting a refrigerant flowing through a refrigerant flow circuit. The receiver housing (52) defines an enclosed volume (55) establishing a refrigerant collection reservoir, and has an inlet (54), a first outlet (56), and a second outlet (58). A refrigerant metering device (70) is disposed within the enclosed volume (55) in operative association with the second outlet (58) for controlling a flow of refrigerant discharging through the second outlet (58). The refrigerant metering device (70) may be a capillary tube metering device (72). The receiver (50) may also include a refrigerant filter/dryer (80) disposed within the enclosed volume (55).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventor: PeiJun Liu
  • Publication number: 20110259286
    Abstract: A fuel injection system is described for injecting slurry fuels into the combustion chamber of a diesel engine, equipped with a fuel common rail, and fitted with a gas to fuel contactor chamber for dissolving supplementary atomizing gas into the continuous phase of the slurry fuel, at high pressure. Each fuel injector comprises a combined double valve for starting and stopping fuel injection, so that slurry fuel containing atomizing gas is only depressurized when injected into the engine combustion chamber, when such depressurization greatly improves fuel atomization and combustion efficiency. In this way small bore, high speed, diesel engines can be efficiently operated on high viscosity, low cost fuels such as tars from tar sands, tars from coal and biomass, and residual petroleum fuels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Carl Firey
  • Patent number: 7363662
    Abstract: Many times when a home sewage line becomes clogged it results in overflow of the matter in the toilet bowl onto the floor. It is a difficult matter at the time to easily and immediately stop overflowing from occurring. STOPRZ solves this problem. If the affluent in the bowl keeps rising to an uncomfortable level one only has to raise the finial atop the toilet tank lid. Since the finial is connected to the lift-bar of the shut-off valve controlling the water flow into the toilet bowl by the brass rod, raising the finial shuts the inflow of water. Spinning the wing nut down to the top of the toilet tank lid shuts off the water supply for as long as is necessary. Correcting the complete problem can then be done at one's leisure. STORZ consists of three items—a lift-rod shaft (a ? by 6 inch rod threaded at one end and the other end curved into a semi-circle as the curved end of a fish-hook), a wing nut and a finial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Inventor: Ray Francis Broyles
  • Patent number: 7040343
    Abstract: A valve assembly with low gas level signaling and controlling function includes a primary valve threadedly engaged with an outlet of a tank, the primary valve being formed with a recess in which is fitted a plunger having an upper end extending upwardly through the primary valve to engage with a knob, a low level linking device comprising a tubular tube connected with a bottom of the primary valve, a flexible rod having an end extending upwardly through the tubular tube to connect with the primary valve and another end connected with an end of a float rod, and a float connected with another end of the float rod, and a release rod connected a pusher which is operatively connected with the primary valve so that when the release rod is turned, the pusher will move down the flexible rod to open the primary valve, whereby the valve assembly can detect the amount of gas remaining in a gas tank and will close when the level has decreased to a certain level thereby alerting the users and enabling them to replenish th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Grand Gas Equipment Incorporated
    Inventor: Kuo-Cheng Tseng
  • Patent number: 6994107
    Abstract: This invention refers to an Automatic/Manual Device for Controlling Outflow of Water or any Fluid, with Mechanical Functioning and Easy Installation. It has a threadable intake nozzle for the inflow of water or any other fluid. The nozzle can be turned to direct the device as needed. Also, in the interior of the device there are two magnets with inverse polarity, a spring, two rubber membranes with orifices, a rubber membrane without an orifice, two supports for said membranes, an air chamber, a manually-activated metal ring, a functioning mechanism with the following positions: ON-OFF, a double copper tube that is submerged in the container to be filled, a rubber hose connecting the double copper tube with the air chamber, and an activating mechanism with “manual”, and “automatic” positions for operating the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Ana Lidieth Madrigal Chavarria
    Inventor: Rafael H. T. Sosa
  • Patent number: 6848469
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable valve for a toilet in which the valve remains in a lower setting unless it is activated by the user to a higher setting and automatically returns to the lower setting after flushing the toilet. The amount of water used for each flush is dependent on the water level in the toilet tank. The water level in the tank is set by adjusting the height of the valve assembly. The valve assembly can be activated by the user to raise the height of the valve assembly and maintain the height using a release clip, thereby increasing the amount of water in the tank. When the handle is pressed to flush the toilet, the release clip is pulled back by a chain extending from the handle and the adjustable valve springs back to the lower setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Paul Vegliante
  • Patent number: 6779203
    Abstract: An emergency toilet shutoff assembly for shutting off flow of water into the tank of a toilet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: William T. Quillen
  • Patent number: 6427719
    Abstract: Hydromagnetic Toilet Valve, constituted by a body, a magnet cluster, an assembly consisting of shaft with a closing gasket and a floater to open and close the valve; it uses three forces: magnetic, exerted by the floater with the tank's water level and the force of the exterior line pressure; we achieve a closure that does not permit water in or out, when the closing is done, it immediately turns into an anti-syphoon valve because it does not allow the liquid in the deposit to be dragged out by gravity in absence of water on the line. Upon finding vacuum the deposit indicates that water was used for a normal bowl discharge or because the liquid leaked by the drain pipe because of anomalies in the discharge system, this valve will supply only what's necessary to fill the toilet bowl and tank to do a required flush, this valve won't supply water if the knob is not actuated to open the valve, or the lever to perform the same function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Edmundo Simental Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 6293302
    Abstract: A valve assembly is provided which includes a valve member for being shifted between open and closed positions, and a control member having an operative position for maintaining the valve member in the open position until a predetermined fluid level is reached and an inoperative position to allow the valve member to shift to the closed position at the predetermined fluid level. The valve assembly is preferably a two-way valve for use with LP tanks to prevent overfilling thereof beyond the maximum predetermined fluid level. A float assembly rises and falls in substantial correspondence to the rising and falling of the fluid level in the vessel space, and an actuator of the fluid assembly shifts the control member at the predetermined fluid level to the inoperative position to allow the valve member to shift to the closed position for preventing further fluid intake into the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventors: Michael Waters, Chan Yet
  • Patent number: 6076546
    Abstract: A valve assembly is provided that prevents overfilling of vessels, such as tanks used to hold liquified gas, beyond a predetermined maximum level. Preferably, the valve assembly is for use with an LP tank attached at the bottom of a service valve thereof. The valve assembly has a valve member controlled for shifting by a float assembly that rises and falls with the fluid level in the tank. The float assembly keeps the valve member removed from the flow of fluid through the valve housing during tank filling operations in a chamber of a diverter member until the maximum fill level is approached when the float assembly allows the valve member to begin to shift into a blocking position projecting from the diverter member restricting flow into the tank and eventually cutting it off when the maximum fill level is attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Michael Waters
  • Patent number: 6062255
    Abstract: A float valve assembly is provided for regulating water inflow to a purification module of a water purification system, such as a reverse osmosis purification module or the like. The float valve assembly is mounted within a reservoir for receiving and storing relatively purified water produced by the purification module, and includes a valve unit defining a vertically extending flow path from a tap water source to the purification module. A primary float responds to rising and falling water level within the reservoir for respectively closing and opening a primary banjo valve mounted along the flow path. A secondary banjo valve is mounted along the flow path at a location above the primary valve, and, in the event of primary valve malfunction, is closed by a secondary float responsive to rising reservoir water level. In a preferred form, the secondary valve remains closed upon subsequent descent of the water level, and is manually re-opened by depression of a reset button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Oasis Corporation
    Inventor: Louis M. Busick
  • Patent number: 6003468
    Abstract: An animal watering valve, of the type actuated by radially deflecting a valve stem, has a deflectable elastomeric boot which is less susceptible to sticking or clogging than movable shields but which at the same time prevents or at least inhibits bedding material or other foreign materials from being jammed against the valve stem and locking the valve in its open position. The boot is very pliable--being relatively thin and made from an elastomeric material having a hardness of only about 5 Durometer Shore A. The boot preferably is formed from a unitary elastic cup-shaped member including a cylindrical body portion, a peripheral ring disposed at the upstream end of the body portion and attaching the boot to an interior surface of the valve housing, and a membrane covering the downstream end of the body portion. A central aperture is formed in the membrane for receiving a tail of the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Edstrom Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Edstrom, Sr., Peter S. Planton
  • Patent number: 5755256
    Abstract: This invention relates to systems in which fluid, usually liquid fuel (typically diesel fuel oil) is transferred from a supply station to a tank on a vehicle such as a truck or bus by means of a hose, an automatic shutoff nozzle and a fill neck on the vehicle tank. In the system, both a nozzle extension and a quieting tube arrangement are provided which extend into the tank so that they are in close proximity to the bottom. In this manner the impact of fuel forming is substantially reduced and hence false shut offs of fuel supply are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Emco Wheaton Fleet Fueling Corp.
    Inventors: Stanley Robert Elsdon, Gordon Elford Fairles, Maximilian Masley, Arthur Selwyn Cornford
  • Patent number: 5394899
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the level of a fluid in a reservoir. A reservoir has a trough within which is a valve means comprising a hollow cylindrical body having inlet and outlet apertures in fluid communication with a fluid source. A valve shuttle assembly slidingly connected to the valve comprises an "O" ring seal which defines a sealing region. The sealing region can occlude the fluid inlet aperture or permit fluid to pass to the outlet aperture. The valve shuttle is interconnected to a float which rises and lowers depending on the fluid level in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventor: Ernest G. Powers
  • Patent number: 5313979
    Abstract: A fountain faucet is comprised of a housing defining a water chamber and having an inlet communicating the water chamber and an outlet communicating the water chamber through an opening, a float valve disposed in the water chamber and movable between valve open and valve closed positions. A control unit engaged in the housing by means of a thread operable to retain the float valve in its closed position or allow the float valve movable freely between the valve open and valve closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Wang
  • Patent number: 5197569
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for regulating the amonut of oil, lubricant, or other type of lubricant applied to a surface of a work piece in order to reduce friction during a machining process. It comprises a primary reservoir, a needle valve, float assembly, a liquid drop control orifice, a sight for allowing visual confirmation of the flow rate, an atmospheric vent, an inlet for pressurized air, and a nozzle. The needle valve is slidably engaged into an orifice in the primary reservoir and is actuated by the float assembly. The float assembly floats in the low volume constant depth reservoir and controls the degree to which the needle valve need be open in order to maintain a constant volume of lubricant in the low volume constant depth reservoir. As the volume increases to the required level, the needle valve will close. As the volume decreases, the needle valve will open in order to maintain a constant level of lubricant in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Trico Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: David A. Roessler, Donald R. Jung, Robert D. Jung, Charles F. Pace, Michael J. Doperalski
  • Patent number: 5159950
    Abstract: A fountain faucet is comprised of a housing defining a water chamber and having an inlet communicating the water chamber and an outlet communicating the water chamber through an opening a float valve hinged within the water chamber for a swinging movement between valve open and valve closed positions. A control unit engaged in the housing by means of a thread operable to retain the float in its closed position or allow the float valve swingable freely between valve open and valve closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventor: Wen-Chang Wang
  • Patent number: 4753277
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser has a housing, a dispenser head with an electrically conductive combination cup actuator lever and beverage level probe, a control circuit connected to the probe and to a start switch actuatable by the probe and to a solenoid for a beverage valve, and a drip tray and cup rest wherein the cup rest is tilted rearward toward the actuator lever to hold a cup against the lever and keep the back of the cup rim against the lever. An improved actuator lever has a dielectric journal, an electrically conductive thin wall metal tube cantilevered probe extending down from a single fastener securing a control lead and the probe to the journal piece and the conductive probe is spaced from and is below the level of the valve body and lever fulcrum. A conductive plastic flow control is mounted in the valve body and a second control lead is connected to the electrically conductive flow control for providing a potential signal in the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: The Cornelius Company
    Inventors: Donald E. Holcomb, Henry C. Kovar
  • Patent number: 4742843
    Abstract: An air and vacuum relief value having a cylindrical housing defining a chamber and an aerodynamically shaped float body disposed for movement within said chamber between a lower, open position and an upper closed position, the float body having a generally inverted pear-shape configuration to prevent premature valve closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Rain Bird Sprinkler Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: Mark R. McClaran
  • Patent number: 4729400
    Abstract: A liquid control assembly for controlling the flow of a liquid into a reservoir. A float means for shutting off the flow of liquid when the reservoir is full is provided. Also, a means for independently shutting off the flow of liquid is provided so that an easily accessible filter may be removed and cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Assignee: Robert Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Benjamin D. Mendoza, William L. Wright
  • Patent number: 4702271
    Abstract: The invention concerns a float-controlled flow-control devie for the outlet from a sewage system, especially a rain basin. The bearings for the pivots (7 & 8) that the float arm (4) and the shutter (2) rotate on are mounted on a displaceable structure (3). This makes it possible to vary the outflow volume to be controlled even when the device is in operation, and hence to control it remotely as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: Lothar Steinhardt
    Inventor: Klaus-Ulrich Giehl
  • Patent number: 4640306
    Abstract: A fluid flow regulator includes a resilient hollow sealing body which is fitted in the bottom part of a liquid housing adjacent to a tubular outlet end and which has a central through-hole to communicate to one another the chamber of the housing and the outlet end. An annular flange which extends from the top of the sealing body toward the through-hole forms a valve seat against which a float valve can be efficiently and tightly seated. A movable tube is inserted in the tubular end to be used to manually release the float valve from the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Liang-Jr Lee
    Inventor: Cheng-Kuo Fan
  • Patent number: 4637425
    Abstract: In place of one of the usual blunt seats, a sewer check valve has a knife-edge extending from one of the seats to eliminate holding of compressed, relatively tough chunks of sewage between seats by cutting through the chunks, and has room for the cut pieces to move away from the seats. The flap of the valve has a lever extending therefrom, and a spring actuated rod retained by a catch is released to strike against the lever for forcing the flap against the knife-edge. The catch may be released manually, but is preferably released by slightly delayed operation of a solenoid in response to operation of a level sensing device in the housing of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Inventor: Robert E. Petersen
  • Patent number: 4607658
    Abstract: A device for automatically controlling the water level in a basin, such as a bathtub. Air pressure in a tube is used to halt water flow into the basin when a desired water level is reached. Various water levels can be selected by opening pressure relief openings in the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Inventors: Gerald M. Fraser, Marcel J. Champigny
  • Patent number: 4605037
    Abstract: A liquid overfill protection system uses an arrangement for delivering a fluid, such as air, to first and second outlets with a pressure difference that is indicative of the extent to which the tank has been filled with liquid. The system includes a control arrangement for closing a valve when the difference in fluid pressure between the first and second outlets exceeds a predetermined level. In this manner, liquid flow into the tank may be blocked when the tank has been filled to a desired extent. In a preferred embodiment, a diaphragm mounted in the valve assembly is used to trigger release of the valve into a closed position when a sufficient pressure differential exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1986
    Assignee: RCR Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua E. Rabinovich
  • Patent number: 4579140
    Abstract: An air relief device for use in a liquid flow pipe comprises an outer housing fixed to a large-diameter air outlet formed in a portion of the pipe arranged at an elevation, an inner housing rotatably fitted snugly in the outer housing, a float accommodated in the inner housing, and a lid member having a valve port and adapted to be put on the inner housing. The outer and inner housings have through holes bored therein respectively and allowed to coincide exactly with each other. Fluid communication or severance of the fluid communication between the pipe and the inner housing can be obtained by rotating the inner housing to vary the relation in position between the through holes in the outer and inner housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1986
    Assignee: Meiwa Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeaki Sekine
  • Patent number: 4543973
    Abstract: A pneumatic liquid level control apparatus and method providing both a snap-actor mode and a throttling mode by rotating a control means on the apparatus. The control means has a reciprocating valve means mounted inside which is operative in the snap-actor mode and which is inoperative when the control means is rotated to the throttling mode. The control means is mounted on the apparatus housing so that it can be moved between its snap-actor mode and its throttling mode by merely loosing screws for affecting the movement and then tightening the screws to begin operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1985
    Inventor: Giong Ho
  • Patent number: 4542765
    Abstract: A pneumatic control providing both a snap action mode and a throttling mode, action including a gas inlet connected to a source of gas pressure, a nozzle in communication with an exhaust port, a nozzle seat moveable to and away from the nozzle in response to a mechanically applied control action such as a liquid level float, a gas chamber in the flow passageway between the gas inlet and the nozzle port, a first passageway from the gas chamber to a control gas outlet, a diaphragm actuated valve in the first passageway, a second passageway from the gas chamber to the control gas outlet, a throttling screw serving to open or close the second passageway and a shut-off screw providing means of opening or closing the first passageway whereby the application of gas pressure to the control port in response to the closing of the nozzle is determined by the position of the throttling screw and the shut-off screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Assignee: Custom Engineering and Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Clarence Glasgow, Randall W. Alberty
  • Patent number: 4522226
    Abstract: A valve comprises a hollow valve seat member having a plurality of openings formed therein and a hollow valve member adapted to be moved under an increased water pressure in a pressure chamber to close the openings in the seat member when water reaches its predetermined level. A manually operating valve member is provided to relieve the water pressure in the pressure chamber, thereby allowing movement of the hollow valve member away from the valve seat member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignee: Hi-Sonic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tamio Yamagiwa
  • Patent number: 4520836
    Abstract: An improved freezeproof valve assembly is provided for a water hydrant, such as an outdoor drinking fountain or the like. The valve assembly comprises a sump housing for installation below the ground frost line and for connection between a water supply pipe and a standpipe, the latter being coupled in turn to a fountain bubbler head or the like. A control valve within the sump housing is opened pneumatically upon depression of an actuator button on the fountain to permit water flow from the supply pipe through a main jet pump which draws an induced water flow from within the sump housing through an induction port thereby providing a combined water flow through the standpipe to the bubbler head. This combined water flow is maintained substantially constant by a float-activated refill valve which permits a refill water flow from the supply pipe into the sump housing sufficient to maintain the housing water level above the main jet pump induction port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Assignee: Physical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles G. Hutter, III
  • Patent number: 4495960
    Abstract: A suds return valve for automatic washers is provided in which a flapper valve can be manually set to save suds water for subsequent use, the valve being automatically returned to direct rinse liquid to drain after the suds water has reached a predetermined height in a storage receptacle. The valve can be manually set to use suds water in a wash cycle and the valve would be automatically returned to send water to the drain after a predetermined amount of suds water has been removed from the storage receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Roger J. Cartier, Victor W. Cuthbert, Anthony Mason
  • Patent number: 4491150
    Abstract: An outdoor water holding and pumping system comprising a water tank into which is recessed a pump housing such that water in the tank surrounds and insulates the housing. A pump is disposed in the pump housing for pumping water from the tank to a desired location. The pump housing has a door providing access to the pump from outside the tank. The system preferably includes a housing conduit which extends from the housing to the base of the tank so that conduits to and from the tank can extend underground, through the tank, and to the pump without being exposed. Reserve conduit means are also preferably provided to provide a reserve supply of water to the pump. The system elements are preferably connected for transporting as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Inventors: Carroll Holman, Arley R. Fite
  • Patent number: 4462417
    Abstract: A valve assembly, mountable on a propane or LPG cylinder, has a gate valve to regulate flow. An auxiliary valve element is movable in response to the liquid level within the tank, and to pressure differentials in the outflow direction. The auxiliary valve interrupts flow through the valve to prevent an overfill condition, or if the valve's outlet communicates with atmospheric pressure, or if the cylinder is knocked over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1984
    Assignee: Sherwood Selpac Corp.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Trinkwalder, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4406299
    Abstract: A liquid level valve for use in filling a liquid storage tank to control (in response to increased air pressure within the liquid level valve) the tank emergency loading valve which is held open by pressurized air.The liquid level valve has an air control cavity connected to the pressurized air and an actuating cavity which exhausts to the atmosphere and is disposed above the air control cavity and connected to it via an actuating passageway. An air control diaphragm divides the air control cavity into upper and lower portions and controls the flow of pressurized air into such lower portion which exhausts to the atmosphere. The air control diaphragm has a small air control passageway (of smaller diameter than the actuating passageway) allowing pressurized air into the air control cavity upper portion, thus permitting the pressurized air to act on both sides of the air control diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Assignee: Barbara Baldwin DeFrees
    Inventor: Joseph H. DeFrees
  • Patent number: 4360038
    Abstract: A magnetically-operated valve has a body provided with a passageway therethrough. A piston is mounted on the body for sliding movement toward and away from a valve seat. The piston has a magnetic pole at one end. A magnet is mounted on the body for movement between a first position, at which the piston will be held in a flow-permitting position, and a second position, at which the piston will sealingly engage the seat to terminate such flow. An override mechanism may be operated to displace the piston against the repulsive forces between like poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1982
    Assignee: Sherwood Selpac Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph C. Trinkwalder, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4335734
    Abstract: A valve for use with a liquid comprising: a valve casing having an inlet and outlet; a valve seat arranged between the inlet and outlet; a plug adapted to be received on the valve seat; sensor means adapted to sense the level of the liquid, the sensor means being operatively associated with the plug so as to vary the position of the plug relative to the valve seat as a function of the level of the liquid; and a lever adapted to vary the position of the plug relative to the valve seat independently of the sensor means.A valve, for use with a liquid, comprising: a valve casing having an inlet and outlet; a valve seat arranged between the inlet and outlet; a plug adapted to be received on the valve seat; and a lever adapted to vary the position of the plug relative to the valve seat by means of a stem attached to the lever. The lever is attached to the stem by means of a pin attached to the lever, the pin being fitted within a fusible bushing fitted within a hold in the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1982
    Assignee: Sherwood-Selpac Corp.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Trinkwalder
  • Patent number: 4316484
    Abstract: An air pressure responsive liquid level valve used in filling a liquid storage tank to control the tank emergency loading valve which is held open by pressurized air.The liquid level valve has an air control cavity connected to the pressurized air and an actuating cavity exhausting to the atmosphere and is disposed above the air control cavity and connected to it via an actuating passageway. An air control diaphragm divides the air control cavity into upper and lower portions and controls the flow of pressurized air into such lower portion which exhausts to the atmosphere. The air control diaphragm has a small air control passageway (of smaller diameter than the actuating passageway) allowing pressurized air into the air control cavity upper portion, thus permitting the pressurized air to act on both sides of the air control diaphragm. An actuating diaphragm, responsive to increased pressure within the liquid level valve, controls the flow of pressurized air through the actuating passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1982
    Inventor: Joseph H. De Frees
  • Patent number: 4151859
    Abstract: The throttle shaft for the controlled discharge of dammed-up water, especially for the controlled flow of sewage and waste water to sewage-processing units, comprises a housing formed with an inlet and an outlet for a float-controlled throttle flap at the inlet regulating the flow of water into the housing in response to the water level therein. According to the disclosure, the housing is provided with a throttle channel for the water which communicates with the outlet and is provided with an adjustable shutter shiftable between a fully closed and a fully open position to vary the flow cross section of this channel or passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1979
    Assignee: Oswald Schulze GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventor: Walter Jakobi
  • Patent number: 4109834
    Abstract: A device for discharging a constant volume of fluid which is relatively simple in construction and requires little space. The device comprises a cylindrical chamber with a tangential inlet to induce vortical fluid motion. Within the chamber is a ball having a specific gravity different from that of fluid and adapted to block an outlet which is disposed at the vertex of a cone-like surface disposed at one end of the chamber. When displaced from the outlet by a suitable mechanism, a combination of fluid and gravitational forces cause the ball to follow a spiral path and return to block the outlet, having discharged a certain amount of fluid. Two embodiments are described utilizing a ball having a specific gravity greater than, and less than, that of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1978
    Assignee: Canadian Patents and Development Limited
    Inventors: Clyde C. K. Kwok, Essam A. Farag