Flexible Diaphragm Valve Patents (Class 137/414)
  • Publication number: 20020104566
    Abstract: A snap-action piloted fill valve for controlling the level in a liquid storage tank, the valve having a float and a weight cup that are adjustably interconnected by an elongated sleeve slidably disposed on a stem extending upwardly from a valve body mounted inside a tank, the weight cup being further connected to a snap-action beam attached to the valve body. The snap-action beam controls operation of a pilot, which in turn causes the fill valve to open when the beam is in its upward position and to close when the beam is in its downward postion. Use as a toilet valve is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Samuel H. Howe
  • Patent number: 6408869
    Abstract: A liquid level responsive shut-off valve for filling a tank, such as a liquid propane tank, comprises a valve housing having an inlet passageway for connection to a source of liquid under pressure, an outlet passageway opening into the tank, and a diaphragm actuated valve element having open and closed positions respectively opening and closing. the inlet passageway to the flow of liquid therethrough to the outlet passageway and tank. A float operated valve element controls operation of the diaphragm actuated valve element and has a closed position when the tank is initially filled which precludes the flow of liquid into the tank thereafter, even when the tank becomes empty, until the liquid supply pressure is reduced to atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: GAAP Gas Control Inc.
    Inventors: Josef A. Bartos, Harsharan Grewal
  • Patent number: 6354326
    Abstract: A toilet fill valve includes a housing defining a water fill passage and a water inlet. A valve disposed in the passage divides the housing into a upstream portion and a downstream portion. A pressure regulator vertically oriented in the downstream portion of the housing has a spiral configuration providing a significant pressure drop in the water flow. Noise abatement is enhanced by pressure regulation which reduces the flow velocity, flow directors which inhibit turbulence, and energy drops provided in a downspout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Tuan Van Le, Christopher A. Coppock
  • Publication number: 20020000248
    Abstract: A valve comprising a body having an inlet (13, 113, 213) adapted to be connected to a pressurized source of liquid and an outlet (15, 115, 215) which is to communicate with a reservoir, a valve seat (25, 125, 225) between the inlet and outlet, a valve member (27, 127, 227) movable relative to the valve seat between an open and closed position, the valve member having a first face (29,129, 229) which is movable to be in opposed relation to the valve seat and to be engaged with the valve seat when the valve is in the closed position, the valve member having a second face (31, 131, 231) located in opposed relation to the first face, a chamber (33, 133, 233) located between the body and the second face, a first passageway (35, 135, 235) providing communication between the first face and the chamber, the chamber having a discharge outlet (51, 151, 251), a control means (43, 45, 143, 145, 243, 245) associated with the discharge outlet, the control means being controlled by a bearing member (17, 117, 217) adapted to
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Geoffrey Francis Herlihy
  • Patent number: 6332475
    Abstract: A stop valve to terminate flow of liquid there through when the level of the liquid reaches a desired level in a container. The stop valve includes a master diaphragm valve (38) to regulate the flow of liquid through the valve and a pilot diaphragm valve (10) controlling the master valve. The pilot diaphragm valve (10) is subject to the position of a float (37) on the liquid in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Mastavalve Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Henry Brougham
  • Patent number: 6325095
    Abstract: A multi-point float valve with adjustable high and low level settings, the float valve capable of both providing a tight seal as between an inlet and outlet, and operating in a wide range of flow pressure environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Ted Kim
  • Patent number: 6260574
    Abstract: A fill valve particularly suited for OEM assembly in gravity operated flush toilets has a modular construction including a main valve body that encloses a pilot operated diaphragm valve operated by a float arm. A hollow riser has a lower end configured for connection to a water supply line. Mating couplers are provided on the bottom of the main valve body and on the upper end of the riser for rigidly securing the riser to the main valve body. The riser has a length that is pre-selected to place the diaphragm valve and float arm a predetermined height within the tank to ensure that the tank is re-filled to a predetermined optimum level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Lavelle Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David Nichols-Roy
  • Patent number: 6244292
    Abstract: A ballcock valve with a cap having an opening, and in the opening an axial groove. A valve control has a neck that fits in the opening, and a tooth that fits in the groove, so that when a shoulder on the cap and on the valve control abut, the valve control can be rotated to hold it to the cap. When the cap is fixed to a base, a control diaphragm is properly positioned relative to the base and to a valve seat on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Bruce A. Antunez
  • Patent number: 6240955
    Abstract: A liquid level controller is shown having a housing with a rear wall. A shaft has a first end which extends through the rear wall to a liquid displacement member located within a liquid containing vessel. A second end of the shaft joins a pair of oppositely extending arms. Each of the oppositely extending arms is rotationally mounted on the housing generally parallel to the rear wall in a bearing. Vertical forces responsive to changes in liquid level act on the displacement member and are transmitted as a force tending to rotate the oppositely extending arms. A lever pivotally mounted to the housing is interconnected with a torque bar which, in turn, connects to the oppositely extending arms of the shaft. A valving assembly is engaged by the lever to provide an output for controlling liquid level within the vessel. The valve assembly includes a pneumatic pilot with a contact point which is engageable by a pin carried on the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Anderson Controls, L.C.
    Inventors: R. David Anderson, Carl Wayne Winfrey, Randal Alan Winfrey
  • Patent number: 6164313
    Abstract: A float operated valve for controlling the rate of flow of water from a pipe carrying water under pressure, to a vessel, comprises a pipe having an end opening of selected diameter and a flange of larger diameter surrounding the pipe. A flexible diaphragm is attached over the flange having a central closure pad adapted to cut off water flow when pressed against the pipe. A small orifice is drilled through the diaphragm so that when the flow is shut off, water can still flow through the orifice to the second side of the diaphragm. A second short pipe having a similar flange is bolted against the diaphragm to the first flange, to provide a water tight seal. There is a second small orifice in the second end of the second pipe, and a float mechanism is provided with a closure tip to close the second orifice when the water level is at a selected value. The closure tip varies the size of the second orifice so that the orifice is responsive to the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventor: William R. Walters
  • Patent number: 6142174
    Abstract: A fill valve for a water storage tank includes a riser assembly, a valve housing mounted on an upper end of the riser assembly, and a pilot operated diaphragm valve mounted in the valve housing. A float housing is connected to the valve housing. A combination float and float arm has a first end pivotally connected to a valve housing cap for opening and closing a pilot orifice in the valve housing cap. A second end of the float arm is connected to the float. The float is located in the float housing which has an inlet opening for allowing water to spill into the float housing so that the float rises upwardly and the first end of the float arm fully seals off the pilot orifice. The first end of the float arm has a central arm and a pair of flexible pivot arms that are laterally displaceable for engaging a pair of spaced apart fixed pivot pins on the valve housing cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David Nichols-Roy
  • Patent number: 6079438
    Abstract: A valve device for controlling the filling level of cylinders and the like ith liquefied gases, comprising an upper connecting body which can be coupled to a cylinder for liquefied gas and forming a tubular gas infeed element which ends with a coupling body which is associable with a lower connecting body in order to retain a membrane for closing openings for feeding gas into the cylinder, and a valve control element which is controlled by a float and interacts with the membrane; the device further comprising clinching means for the mutual clamping of the upper connecting body and the lower connecting body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Cavagna Group International BV Amsterdam, Succursale di Lugano
    Inventor: Carlo Cavagna
  • Patent number: 6047725
    Abstract: An adjustable height fill valve for controlling the water level in a storage tank for a toilet includes a riser mounted in the tank and connected to a pressurized water supply. The riser includes an anti-siphon body telescopically mounted over a fixed shank. The anti-siphon body telescopically adjusts between retracted and extended positions. A pilot valve is mounted on the anti-siphon body in fluid communication with the water supply. A float is mounted in association with the pilot valve to selectively open or close the pilot valve depending on the water level in the tank. A latch on the anti-siphon body and a series of stops on the shank are releasably engageable to adjustably fix the position of the body on the shank between the retracted and extended positions. The stops comprise first and second sets of axially spaced and interleaved fingers which define a serpentine track into which the latch extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry D. Gish, Tim A. Frick, Ross E. Kingman, Edward D. Kastelic
  • Patent number: 6003541
    Abstract: A fill valve for a water storage tank includes a riser assembly, a valve housing mounted on an upper end of the riser assembly, and a pilot operated diaphragm valve mounted in the valve housing. A float housing is connected to the valve housing. A float arm of a combination float and float arm has a first end pivotally connected to the valve housing for opening and closing a pilot orifice in the diaphragm valve. A second end of the float arm is connected to the float. The float is located in the float housing which has an inlet opening for allowing water to spill into the float housing so that the float rises upwardly and the first end of the float arm fully seals off the pilot orifice. A snap off cover member extends over, and is releasable latched to, the valve housing and the float housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David Nichols-Roy
  • Patent number: 5992448
    Abstract: A liquid level controller is shown having a housing with a rear wall. A shaft has a first end which extends through the rear wall to a liquid displacement member located within a liquid containing vessel. A second end of the shaft joins a pair of oppositely extending arms. Each of the oppositely extending arms is rotationally mounted on the housing generally parallel to the rear wall in a bearing. Vertical forces responsive to changes in liquid level act on the displacement member and are transmitted as a force tending to rotate the oppositely extending arms. A lever pivotally mounted to the housing is interconnected with a torque bar which, in turn, connects to the oppositely extending arms of the shaft. A valving assembly is engaged by the lever to provide an output for controlling liquid level within the vessel. The valve assembly includes a pneumatic pilot with a contact point which is engageable by a pin carried on the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventors: R. David Anderson, Carl Wayne Winfrey, Randal Alan Winfrey
  • Patent number: 5964247
    Abstract: A fill valve has a main valve with a valving surface contacted by a valve disk. A series of offset radial paths separated by a toroidal path permit free radial flow at full open and quiet tortuous flow as the valve closes. Removal of a cap permits access to the main valve for cleaning. Indicia in the valve body provide easy height adjustments. A riser base is made up of easily molded locking parts and provides a variable height adjustment structure that is shielded from view. A flexible cup performs multiple functions including serving as a pilot valve, a vacuum breaker valve and a seal. A float for operating the pilot valve is pivotally mounted without extra parts or fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5937574
    Abstract: A system for providing a liquid to a plant or tree stand comprising a liquid reservoir connected via tubing to a liquid control assembly having a liquid level control section positioned on the lower end of an adjustable vertical section with straps for attachment to a tree. The liquid level control section comprises a lever arm/float assembly positioned within the tree stand for maintaining a predetermined liquid level within the tree stand. As the liquid in the tree stand is depleted the float drops and the opposite end of a float lever arm penetrates a channel raising a metal ball which permits liquid to enter the tree stand through the liquid level control assembly connected to the tubing from the reservoir. As the liquid rises in the tree stand, the float is forced upward causing the opposite end of the float lever to drop resulting in the metal ball lowering to seal the channel thereby stopping the liquid flow into the tree stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: David R. Jacques
  • Patent number: 5921272
    Abstract: A mechanical device for checking the level to which cylinders and the like are filled with liquid gases, comprising a feeder pipe anchored to the cutoff valve unit of the cylinder. At the lower end of the pipe there are provided openings which are connected to the inside of the cylinder and in a front region there is provided a closure membrane made of flexible material and centrally provided with at least one through hole. The membrane is peripherally locked between the rim of the end of the tubular element and a hollow body which is anchored coaxially to the feeder and is provided, in an upward region, with a cavity which allows the membrane to deform correspondingly in order to directly connect the free end of the tubular feeder body to the lateral openings thereof. The hollow body has a cavity which is coaxial to the hole of the membrane and leads into a chamber in which there is provided a shutter body movable axially by means of a cam which is associated with a floating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Pergola S.r.l.
    Inventor: Carlo Cavagna
  • Patent number: 5904176
    Abstract: A float-controlled, ball cock assembly comprises an improved two-piece valve useful with either a fixed height or an adjustable height riser. The two-piece valve includes a resilient valve seal element and a rigid valve cap fitted together to form an annular chamber therebetween. A rigid spacer sleeve is positioned in the chamber to limit the movement of the valve seal element between the closed position in contact with a valve seat and the open position spaced from the valve seat. The adjustable height riser includes inlet and outlet tubes, each composed of two parts telescopically engaging one another. Adjustment of the height of the riser is achieved by the use of one or more T-shaped tabs which are secured by a lock collar threaded onto the outer of the two telescoping outlet tubes and which can be moved locking into and out of engagement with radially extending grooves on the outer surface of the inner outlet tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: WDI International
    Inventor: Frank Li
  • Patent number: 5887613
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for the regulation of a constant outflow from a liquid container, in particular from a rain reservoir, with an outflow opening for the liquid, wherein to the outflow opening is assigned a movable throttle element, which in dependence on the liquid level regulates the outflow of the liquid from the container.According to the invention, it is proposed that a component part (2) that is form-changeable in dependence on the fluid pressure control the throttle element, wherein takes place the stopping-down movement of the throttle element against a restoring force (spring 5).A device of this sort makes possible a regulation of a constant outflow from a fluid container, without requiring for this the use of a float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Lothar Steinhardt
  • Patent number: 5887609
    Abstract: A device, and a container having such a device, is provided for permitting filling the container with a predetermined weight of the fluid. The device and container include a main channel to introduce the fluid into the container at a fill pressure; a detector mechanism to detect a "filled" condition based on fluid weight; and a fluid-weight control mechanism to automatically prevent introducing fluid into the container in excess of the "filled" condition. A spring offsets part of the weight of a pivotally mounted displacer mounted on a pivotally mounted lever having an arm configured to permit closure of a ball valve as the container becomes "filled" and the displacer becomes buoyant. The fluid-weight control device, which is substantially independent of the composition and temperature of the fluid and of inertial effects induced in an attempt to thwart the fluid-weight control safeguard, also prevents introduction of fluid into the container as the container is non-upright.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Owen L. Garretson
  • Patent number: 5842498
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fill valve and mounting adapter assembly combination for tank-type toilets and the like which renders the fill valve internally and instantly mountable and dismountable without the necessity of separating the mounting adapter assembly from the tank and the water delivery line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventors: Randal D. A. Locke, Daniel P. Dunbar, Teresa M. Locke
  • Patent number: 5839466
    Abstract: An automatic watering device for use with a stationary water reservoir includes an elongated hollow housing fixedly positioned relative to the reservoir, an elongated pipe having a first end extending into the housing and an opposite second end connected to a source of water, and a water control valve disposed within the housing and connected to the first end of the pipe. The water control valve is adjustably positionable within the housing to correspondingly set a desired water level within the reservoir. The automatic watering device of the present invention is particularly useful for maintaining a supply of water in an animal watering trough since the water control valve is protected from abuse at all times by the protective housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Inventor: Marshall Dutter
  • Patent number: 5836346
    Abstract: An adjustable height fill valve assembly for controlling water level in a storage tank, comprises a lower riser assembly comprising concentrically disposed inlet riser and an outer riser housing, each having an upper end and a lower end, the inlet riser and the riser housing connected together at the lower ends, the inlet riser being adapted for mounting in a hole in a flush tank, an upper riser assembly comprising concentrically disposed inner supply tube and an outer tubular valve housing, each having an upper end and a lower end, a main valve seat at the upper end of the inner supply tube, the upper riser assembly telescopically mounted on the lower riser assembly, a latch between the riser housing and the tubular valve housing for latching the upper and the lower riser assemblies in selected extended and retracted positions, the latch disengageable upon rotation of the upper riser assembly in either direction from a central position, a valve housing cap having a bayonet lock connection for quick connect d
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Hunter Plumbing Products
    Inventor: David Nichols-Roy
  • Patent number: 5829465
    Abstract: A device, and a container having such a device, is provided for permitting filling the container with a predetermined weight of the fluid. The device and container include a main channel to introduce the fluid into the container at a fill pressure; a detector mechanism to detect a "filled" condition based on fluid weight; and an fluid-weight control mechanism to automatically prevent introducing fluid into the container in excess of the "filled" condition. A compression spring offsets part of the weight of a displacer such that the displacer becomes buoyant as the container becomes "filled". The displacer has a seat mechanism that sealingly engages an orifice mechanism creating a differential pressure, substantially less than the fill pressure, across a control device causing closure of the main channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Owen L. Garretson
  • Patent number: 5743290
    Abstract: A device for dispensing water front a source of water under pressure to at least one water using attachment, includes a basin and a water dispensing adjustable diaphragm fill valve. The water using attachments may have various configurations such as but not limited to garden planters and pots, terrariums, ant farms, garden pot converters, underground springs, Christmas tree stands, animal waterers, animal waterer/feeders, bird baths, hummingbird feeders, amphibian habitats, animal cages, bird cages, pond filter/fountains, aquariums, air conditioners and water toys. The basin holds a volume of water and has a closed bottom, at least one side wall, and an open top and includes a water inlet port adapted to connect the basin to the source of water under pressure. A mounting rim is positioned adjacent to the open top for mounting the water using attachments, and a seat is provided for readily accepting and releasing the fill valve within the basin below a selected water line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventors: Randal D. Locke, Daniel P. Dunbar, Teresa M. Locke
  • Patent number: 5742950
    Abstract: An apparatus for pressure assisted flush toilets that comprises an air tight enclosed flush tank, a feed valve, a volume control device and a flush valve. The flush tank is normally empty when it is not in use. A push on the feed valve starts a flush cycle by feeding the flush tank with pressurized supply water. The incoming feed water fills the flush tank and at the same time compresses the entrapped air therein. When the tank is filled to the desired volume, the volume control device triggers to close the feed valve and opens the flush valve. Then the pressure of the compressed air in the flush tank discharges the water to the toilet bowl. The discharging water stream from the flush tank cleans the toilet bowl. After the flush the flush tank remains empty until next use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Shih-Chih Chang
  • Patent number: 5738141
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a WC-cistern filling valve comprising a liquid inlet assigned to a supply line, a liquid outlet assigned to the cistern, and a closing element which is assigned to a valve passage opening arranged between liquid inlet and oulet and which is switchable by a float in accordance with the liquid level in the cistern for opening and closing the valve passage opening. It is the object of the present invention to provide a low-noise WC-cistern filling valve. This object is achieved in that at least a portion of the liquid outlet is shaped as a thread in the flow direction downstream of the closing element in such a manner that liquid is discharged with a swirl from the liquid outlet to the cistern in the opened state of the closing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Rost GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Willfried Blanke, Norbert Fuchs, Gerhard Pieper
  • Patent number: 5715859
    Abstract: An adjustable height fill valve assembly for controlling water level in a storage tanks, comprises a lower riser assembly comprising concentrically disposed inlet riser and an outer riser housing, each having an upper end and a lower end, the inlet riser and the riser housing connected together at the lower ends, the inlet riser being adapted for mounting in a hole in a flush tank, an upper riser assembly comprising concentrically disposed inner supply tube and an outer tubular valve housing, each having an upper end and a lower end, a main valve seat at the upper end of the inner supply tube, the upper riser assembly telescopically mounted on the lower riser assembly, a latch between the riser housing and the tubular valve housing for latching the upper and the lower riser assemblies in selected extended and retracted positions, the latch disengageable upon rotation of the upper riser assembly in either direction from a central position, a valve housing cap having a bayonet lock connection for quick connect
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Hunter Plumbing Products
    Inventor: David Nichols-Roy
  • Patent number: 5678600
    Abstract: A multi-purpose automatic filing basin is provided for containing a selected amount of water which is used for various purposes. The water may be transferred from the basin by wicks or by a pump to water using devices such as plant pots or toys or may be provided for direct use from the basin for devices such as animal feeders and habitats. The basis is kept supplied with water from a pressurized source by a specialized valve which opens in response to a drop in water level below a first selected level and closes in response to the water level reaching as second selected level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventors: Randal D. Locke, Daniel P. Dunbar, Teresa M. Locke
  • Patent number: 5638859
    Abstract: A drain valve is disclosed which comprises a float chamber for accumulating a fluid. A float is disposed within the float chamber for fluid level determined movement therein. A pivotable arm is operatively connected to the float. Pilot valve means are provided which comprise valve body means and valve shuttle means. The valve body means receive a portion of the pivotable arm and have a valve seat and an inlet in communication with a source of pressure and an outlet. Valve shuttle means are provided for controlling fluid flow from the float chamber in response to the movement of the float and pivotable arm. The valve shuttle means have a closed position wherein the source of pressure maintains the valve shuttle means in sealed relation with the valve seat and an open position wherein the valve shuttle means is not in sealed relation to the valve seat such that that inlet is communication with the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: Flair-Pneumatic Products Corp.
    Inventors: Robert G. Thomson, John E. Thelen
  • Patent number: 5613835
    Abstract: A water powered sump pump has a flow control apparatus connected to a source of water under pressure and to a suction generator. Water from the flow control apparatus flows through a nozzle in the suction generator, creates a pressure drop, suck water in from a sump, and discharge water through a discharge line. The control apparatus has a variable pressure chamber and a constant pressure chamber. The constant pressure chamber is connected to a source of water under pressure and to the suction generator. A diaphragm separates the two chambers and opens and closes a passage between the water source and the suction generator. An orifice connects the two chambers. A bleed valve opens and closes the variable pressure chamber. A spring biased arm of an actuator assembly is biased in one direction to open the bleed valve, drop pressure in the variable pressure chamber, move the diaphragm and open the passage which permits flow to the suction generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Leslie M. Tyner
  • Patent number: 5564464
    Abstract: An improved control valve for a holding tank is provided for cutting off the flow of fluid into a holding tank device in response to achieving a predetermined fluid level in the holding tank. The assembly includes a housing configured for placement adjacent a spill container. The housing has an upper inlet and a lower outlet and a flow passage therebetween having a diameter of which is substantially constant along its longitudinal length. A valve poppet is situated within the flow passage and is axially rotatable between a substantially vertical, open position, that allows for the flow of fluid through the flow passage, and a closed position substantially blocking fluid flow through the flow passage when the holding tank has reached a predetermined level of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Dover Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Pendleton, James E. Kesterman
  • Patent number: 5459886
    Abstract: A swimming pool has a recirculating pump and filter. A drain line from the high pressure side of the pump drains excess water through a hydraulically operated drain valve remote from the pool. A long narrow tube from the high pressure line drains into the pool at a float valve. When the level of water in the pool is too high, the float valve opens, and pressure in the tube drops. Pressure in the tube operates the drain valve, opening the drain valve when the level is high and the pressure is low, and closing the drain valve when the level is not high, the float valve is closed and the pressure is high. The invention may be alternatively practiced with a drain valve that is opened by a high control pressure using a float valve that closes when the pool level is high. A timer controlled valve in the tube prevents opening the drain valve during preselected times when the pool is occupied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventors: Mark Payne, Amy Payne
  • Patent number: 5421361
    Abstract: A fill valve assembly for a toilet tank or the like includes a riser and a head portion that can be vertically adjusted without removal or disassembly of the valve in order to select a precise tank liquid level. Telescoping conduits in the riser are secured in adjusted position by a bayonet latch system including detents assisted by the force applied by pressurized liquid at the inlet to the assembly. A main valve disk is held against a valve seat by pressure in a control chamber in a standby position and is moved to an open position by venting of the control chamber. The valve includes an axial peripheral flange having an enlarged bead portion captured in an annular channel to provide an O-ring type seal against positive and negative pressure while maximizing flexibility of the disk. A lever for controlling a pilot seat for venting the chamber is pivoted between fulcrum flanges and is held by shoulders abutting one of the flanges. The lever is pivoted by a float in a float chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5358003
    Abstract: The water level of an above-ground swimming pool is maintained at a predetermined level by a small tank attached to the edge of the pool. The tank bottom has an aperture for a conduit to the pool through the side wall thereof, whereby the level of the water in the tank is the same as the level of the water in the pool. The pressure sensor switch is designed to open when the water level in the pool falls below a predetermined amount, and to close when the water level is restored thereto. The pressure sensor switch is activated by the level of the water in the tank, but when open delivers water from the house line directly to the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Inventor: Edwin R. Langill
  • Patent number: 5339854
    Abstract: An apparatus for conserving utilities including coolant, in a system having an evaporative cooler equipped with a water reservoir for holding a predetermined amount of cooling water and also equipped with a recirculating system for recirculating the cooling water. The apparatus has a level sensing assembly coupled to the water reservoir. The level sensing assembly provides a first signal when the cooling water level is less than a first predetermined limit. The system has a controller coupled to the level sensing assembly for receiving the first signal. The system also has a supply valve coupled to the water reservoir, to a water supply and to the controller. The supply valve is responsive to signals from the controller. The supply valve delivers water from the water supply to the water reservoir. The system further has a bleed valve coupled to the water reservoir and to the controller. The bleed valve is responsive to signals from the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventor: Charles D. Leith
  • Patent number: 5318062
    Abstract: A tank valve for refilling a water tank. A vertical riser has a passage opening through a valve seat in a body. A flow chamber and a discharge chamber are formed around the valve seat. A cap is secured to the body so as to overlay the chambers. The cap has a central socket opening, a plurality of laterally-spaced anit-siphon ports, and a contact surface. The anti-siphon ports open onto the contact surface. A valve control device has a rigid case with a neck and an engaging shoulder. An anti-siphon disc has a hole through which the neck is passed. The neck is inserted in the socket opening and the engaging shoulder presses the disc against the cap. A bias chamber is formed in the case. A retainer is secured to the case. It includes a retaining shoulder which holds a flexible diaphragm to close the bias chamber. The diaphragm has a bias port therethrough. A level controlled valve opens and closes a vent port in the neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Inventor: Bruce A. Antunez
  • Patent number: 5280803
    Abstract: An hydraulically assisted inlet valve is disclosed having a by-pass passage (32) which is permanently open. Preferably the valve has a valve body (13) reciprocally mounted in the inlet (4) and carried by a diaphragm (23). The by-pass passage preferably extends through the valve body (13) to apply inlet pressure to one side of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Caroma Industries Limited
    Inventors: David B. Swift, David Chelchowski
  • Patent number: 5255703
    Abstract: A fill valve assembly for a toilet tank or the like includes a riser and a head portion that can be vertically adjusted without removal or disassembly of the valve in order to select a precise tank liquid level. Telescoping conduits in the riser are secured in adjusted position by a bayonet latch system including detents assisted by the force applied by pressurized liquid at the inlet to the assembly. A main valve disk is held against a valve seat by pressure in a control chamber in a standby position and is moved to an open position by venting of the control chamber. The valve includes an axial peripheral flange having an enlarged bead portion captured in an annular channel to provide an O-ring type seal against positive and negative pressure while maximizing flexibility of the disk. A lever for controlling a pilot seat for venting the chamber is pivoted between fulcrum flanges and is held by shoulders abutting one of the flanges. The lever is pivoted by a float in a float chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5191912
    Abstract: Liquid level control apparatus consisting of a valve frame with supply gas throughput through an adjustable orifice post and a float actuated release of orifice post pressure to cause a sharp change in pressure to actuate a pressure-responsive dump valve. Proposed then is the further interconnection of the valve frame in reversed disposition to a snap action pilot valve thereby to provide a non-bleeding mode of valve control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventor: Roy L. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 5154205
    Abstract: The water level of an above-ground swimming pool is maintained at a predetermined level by a small tank attached to the edge of the pool. The tank bottom has an aperture for a conduit to the pool through the side wall thereof, whereby the level of the water in the tank is the same as the level of the water in the pool. The pressure sensor switch is designed to open when the water level in the pool falls below a predetermined amount, and to close when the water level is restored thereto. The pressure sensor switch is activated by the level of the water in the tank, but when open delivers water from the house line directly to the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventor: Edwin R. Langill
  • Patent number: 5150732
    Abstract: A tank valve for maintaining a water lever storage level in a tank. The tank valve includes differential pressure valve workings under control of a pivot member. A float enables the valve to open when resting on the pivot member and opens the valve when it rises free of the pivot member. A boost link depends from the pivot member to be boosted by the float near the end of its upward travel to assure closure of the valve working when an intended water level has be attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Inventor: Bruce A. Antunez
  • Patent number: 5090442
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for filling a container to a predetermined level with liquid provided from an external liquid supply means. The apparatus includes a main valve and a main valve seat for controlling the supply of liquid to the container. A lower valve housing is provided for supporting the main valve and main valve seat. An upper cap housing is also provided which is in fluid communication between the external liquid supply means and the main valve. Together, the lower and upper housings form a manually releasably connected valve assembly which is removably insertable into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel N. Campau
  • Patent number: 5067516
    Abstract: A pilot-operated, diaphragm-controlled float valve assembly has a primary valve and a pilot valve operated by a float arm, a cavity for the main valve is formed between a split segment casing and is divided by a valve disc centrally mounted upon a flexible diaphragm into a lower, larger, pressure-differential chamber and an upper, smaller, pressure-differential chamber, both chambers being fluidly connected by a variable restricting orifice formed by a gap between an axial bore in the valve disc and a fixed guide rod for the disc. The top of the guide rod acts as a seat for a pilot valve; a lateral bore extends through the top of the guide rod and another through the base of the valve, enabling water to flow into both pressure differential chambers when the main valve outlet is held normally closed against its seat by bias of the diaphragm to prevent backflow under low pressure conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Inventor: Keith F. Gale
  • Patent number: 5048557
    Abstract: An improved apparatus used in a system for filling containers with a required liquid to a predetermined level are disclosed. The apparatus includes an improved main valve means for controlling the flow of liquid through the apparatus and into the container. This improved main valve means includes an improved main valve, an improved main valve seat, and a main valve support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel N. Campau
  • Patent number: 5035257
    Abstract: A toilet tank valve having a vertical riser with a collet thread and a plurality of flexible collet fingers. A slider tube is fitted into the riser. It has a plurality of peripheral grooves that can be engaged by the fingers to adjust the elevation of the slider tube. A collet nut threaded to the riser compresses the finger for this purpose. Valve workings are mounted to the slider tube. They include an inverted cup float slidingly fitted around the riser which can engage splines on the collet nut so that rotating the float can turn the collet nut, enabling the slider tube's elevation to be adjusted and its adjustment retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Assignee: Coast Foundry & Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Antunez
  • Patent number: 5007452
    Abstract: A tank valve for refilling a toilet tank and simultaneously supplying water to a toilet bowl has a riser, a valve mounted to the riser, a valving chamber in the body of the valve, and a downwardly directed outlet port from the valving chamber. A cuff surrounds the riser. It has a bottom with an aperture to pass the riser, and a peripheral sidewall extending upwardly from the bottom with an upper edge spaced from the body through which water from the outlet port into the cuff flows into the toilet tank. A fill port through the cuff leads by way of a hose to supply water to refill the toilet tank bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventor: Bruce A. Antunez
  • Patent number: 4977923
    Abstract: A pilot controlled diaphragm shut-off valve (13) includes a cushion body (22) disposed in a pilot pressure chamber (20). The cushion body (22)operates to gradually allow the build up of pressure in the pilot pressure chamber (20) as water enters through a pilot orifice (21a) into the pilot pressure chamber (20). Such gradual pressure build up in the pilot pressure chamber (20) allows a gradual closing velocity of the shut-off diaphragm valve (13) and thereby eliminates the water hammer phenomena. An actuating diaphragm (32) is provided for opening and closing a pilot valve (24). Alternatively, a float (43) may be employed for opening and closing the pilot valve (24). Either the actuating diaphragm (32) or the float (43) is linked to a stem (23) and lever (26) mechanism, or alternatively to a magnetic linkage (40, 41, 42a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Inventor: Chan-Dong Cho
  • Patent number: 4945944
    Abstract: A fill valve for use with toilet tanks is configured to include an extensible pipe unit of an inlet and an outlet pipes for adjusting the water level and a telescopic air cylinder acting also for adjustment of the water level. A valve body is provided therein with a main valve including a diaphragm to be driven by the difference in pressure to open and close an inlet valve seat for water filling and an auxiliary valve of a further diaphragm to actuate and direct the opening and closing of the main valve by the air pressure so as to perform water filling and water stoppage of the tank. The arrangement allows the main valve to forcibly and effectively close an inlet valve port having a diameter of opening far greater than that of a conventional fill valve especially by way of difference in the water pressure whereby it greatly enhances the speed of water filling while reduces the filling time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Inventor: Shu-Yuan Chen