Rectilinearly Traveling Float Patents (Class 137/429)
  • Patent number: 11668305
    Abstract: A vacuum device, in particular to a vacuum pump, includes a reservoir for an operating medium; an outlet connector arranged at or in the reservoir; and a selection device that selectively closes or opens the outlet connector or an outlet line, which is connected via the outlet connector to the reservoir, in dependence on whether the operating medium or water is present at the outlet connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: PFEIFFER VACUUM GMBH
    Inventor: Steffen Herrmann
  • Patent number: 11613947
    Abstract: A check valve assembly disposed within a pipe joint. The valve assembly is bounded by a pin end on one side and a liner tube on the other. In a first flow condition, a ball is forced away from the pin end and toward a stop member. The stop member has a geometry to allow fluid flow around the ball and through passageways within the stop when in the first flow condition. In a second flow condition, opposite the first flow condition, the ball is forced toward a tapered seat on the pin end, restricting fluid flow in the second flow condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: The Charles Machine Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Floyd R. Gunsaulis
  • Patent number: 11492248
    Abstract: A gravity-fed fuel delivery system is provided. A central storage tank holds fuel to re-supply a number of pump trucks or other mechanized equipment, such as on a hydraulic fracturing location, and can be selectively raised or lowered. Hoses or other conduits extend from the central storage tank to individual fuel tanks of the equipment to be refueled. Adapters allow connection of the distal end of each hose or conduit to an inlet opening of a fuel tank. A float valve assembly senses when fuel inside an individual fuel tank is below a predetermined level, thereby mechanically opening a valve assembly to permit fluid to flow from the central storage tank, through a conduit, through the float valve assembly and into the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Inventor: Brennan Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10280603
    Abstract: An inlet valve having a shortened lifting lever mechanism includes a main body having defined therein a compression hole and a waterway passage; a sealing pad; a float; and a shortened lifting lever mechanism that is rotatably connected to the main body, that comprises at least two lever stages each having a fulcrum, respectively, and that include a first stage lever, and a last stage lever that are connected in a driving way. The float is coupled to the first stage lever so that a dynamic body is formed to drive the shortened lifting lever mechanism to move. The sealing pad is assembled to the last stage lever so that the sealing pad opens or closes the compression hole with the movement of the shortened lifting lever mechanism when the float moves up and down. A method of shortening a lifting lever mechanism of an inlet valve is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Inventor: Feiyu Li
  • Patent number: 9605991
    Abstract: Devices and methods for a vertical float system. A float guide, located in a tank containing a fluid, has first and second sections with a first diameter and a third section between the first and second section. The third section has a smaller, second diameter. A float is slidably attached to the float guide in the third section. The system includes a switch and a level sensor located in the first section or the second section. The switch becomes activated when the float contacts the level sensor. One of an inner face of the float and the third section of the float guide has projections arranged in a contiguous pattern around the one of the inner face of the float and the third section of said float guide. The projections are shaped to establish point contacts between the float and the float guide in the third section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David D. Montfort, Rodolfo E. Valladares
  • Patent number: 8915265
    Abstract: A double-walled above-ground storage tank includes a primary tank and a secondary tank, and an interstitial space; an containment chamber formed by a primary chamber wall and a secondary chamber wall, forming a chamber interstitial space therebetween, and an exterior door assembly; and at least one pipe and valve assembly wherein the pipe originates in the tank interior volume and the valve is disposed within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Envirovault Corporation
    Inventor: Russ Hebblethwaite
  • Publication number: 20140366962
    Abstract: A disposable intravenous flow control device (20) includes a rigid casing (21) defining a flow passage having a fluid entrance (23) and a fluid exit (22); a flow regulator (10) disposed in the flow passage of the casing (21) and comprising an annular flange (11) extending upward, a hollow, cylindrical protrusion (12) raised upward from a central portion, the protrusion (12) being open to the bottom, an open fluid storage (13) defined between the flange (11) and the protrusion (12), and a hollow, cylindrical skirt (14) extending downward from the bottom of the protrusion (12); and a suction cup (15) releasably secured to the skirt (14) for blocking the fluid exit (22) when fluid in the casing (21) is consumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Hsien-Tsung WANG
  • Publication number: 20140261774
    Abstract: A needle fill valve, in which a bearer is set on the top of a body, the bearer is covered on an upper cover, a front cavity is set on the front side of the bearer, an inner cavity is set on the location corresponding to the front cavity for placing the annular gasket of the sealing plate wrapped a sealing valve pad, and the purpose of fixing the sealing valve pad for preventing being disengaged from the annular gasket is achieved by fastening an upper fixed seat and a lower fixed seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: So-Mei HUANG
  • Publication number: 20140209190
    Abstract: A fuel tank valve having: a housing that is arranged in a fuel tank and has a communication port communicating with an outside of the fuel tank; and a float valve body that is installed in the housing and closes the communication port when fuel in the housing increases, where a wall part of the housing has an opening part through which the fuel flows in and out, and a projecting part that is formed to correspond to the opening part and projects outwardly from the wall part, and the projecting part is separated above from the opening part by a predetermined distance, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicants: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd., Yachiyo Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunari Nakaya, Toshinori Seki, Kenichiro Kaneko
  • Patent number: 8631818
    Abstract: A vertical float valve for use in a fluid reservoir. The vertical float valve able to open and closed based upon the level of fluid within the fluid reservoir. The vertical float valve having a body portion. The body portion attached to a float portion via a four bar (4-bar) linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Inventor: Michael J. Mitrovich
  • Publication number: 20140014193
    Abstract: A float valve assembly is provided which can be remotely retrofit to a pipe end located in a production tank. The valve assembly comprises a guide rod disposed axially in the valve assembly. A floating valve element of the valve assembly is coupled to the guide rod and is moveable with or axially along the guide rod. The valve assembly is remotely mounted on the pipe end by temporarily associating an installation tool with the guide rod to locate a fitting adapter of the valve assembly over the pipe end for sealably fitting the valve assembly to the pipe end. The guide rod can also be manually manipulated for moving the valve element away from the pipe end and locking the valve element in the open position for permitting flow of liquid through the pipe end. A method for manually locking the valve element in the open position is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: John LIPINSKI
  • Patent number: 8561842
    Abstract: A valve apparatus includes a valve body having a first inlet, a second inlet, an outlet, and a passageway in communication with the inlets and outlet. A valve member disposed within the passageway inhibits communication between the first inlet and the second inlet and, in a first position, the second inlet and the outlet. The valve body includes a float chamber communicating with the first inlet and the outlet. A float member disposed within the float chamber is buoyant and is operatively engageable with the valve member. The float member is displaceable upwards by liquid in the chamber to enable communication between the first inlet and the outlet. When liquid from the first inlet is depleted, the float member lowers to seal the first inlet from the outlet. The valve member moves to a second position thereby to enable the second inlet to be in communication with the outlet for dispensing liquid from the second source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Keg Switch Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Domenic Pizzacalla, Domenico Leone
  • Patent number: 8424557
    Abstract: A downspout water collection and overflow system employs a downspout water diversion and overflow device which includes a body displacing a downspout section, and a plate supported in the body. The body, being hollow, has upper, lower and side portions defining top, bottom and side openings. The plate is inclined to extend laterally across the body between the upper and lower portions and through the side opening of the side portion. The plate blocks flow of water directly from the top to bottom opening of the body, diverting water flow through the side opening to a storage tank. The plate divides the side opening into upper and lower passages which allows inflow of water from the upper body portion through the upper passage above the plate to the tank and overflow of water from the tank through the lower passage below the plate to the lower body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Donald J. Russell
  • Patent number: 8365758
    Abstract: A bladder system and apparatus for use with a beverage barrel or container, to reduce undesirable head-space in a wooden container of a beverage, especially a fermented beverage, such as wine. The system continuously protects the beverage contained in a wooden barrel from the harmful effects of oxidation at the air-to-fluid interface in the head-space and compensates for ullage, attributable to evaporation, leakage or sampling losses. The system includes an inflation stem connected to a barrel bladder inflatable by filling with an inflation gas. The inflation stem includes a liquid level sensor and inserts into a bung opening. The fluid level is sensed and a gas valve opens to fill the bladder, reducing head-space within the barrel. The system can combine the control of several barrels and optionally with other sensors, to create a barrel monitoring and control network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Angels' Share Innovations, LLC.
    Inventor: Mark A. Maiocco
  • Patent number: 8307815
    Abstract: A filter assembly (100) comprises a housing (200) and a filter cartridge (300) that incorporates crankcase pressure-regulating components. The cartridge (300) includes an end cap (330), a plunger (340), and a spring (350). When the filter cartridge (300) is installed in the housing (200), the plunger (340) interacts with a podium (224), in response to crankcase pressure, to allow or block fluid communication with the inlet chamber (111).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald G. Frazier, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8186376
    Abstract: A liquid purge valve comprising a housing for sealingly fitting at an uppermost end of a substantially vertical pipe, an outlet tube extending from the housing and projecting into the pipe, an outlet port fitted with a sealing boundary and sealable by a sealing member pivotally secured within the housing so as to pivotally displace between a closed and an open position, a biasing member biasing the sealing member into its open position, and a mass articulated to the sealing member and extending downwards into the pipe. The mass applies a force at an opposite direction of the biasing member such that the resultant force acting on the sealing member determines its position such that when water level rises within the pipe the sealing member displaces into the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: A.R.I. Flow Control Accessories Ltd.
    Inventor: Meir Shuval
  • Patent number: 8122904
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid tank inlet assembly having an inlet pipe extending from a mounting structure located at the proximal end of the pipe. A float valve assembly is disposed beyond the distal end of the inlet pipe and includes a float member. An obstruction is located within a housing between the inlet pipe and the float member. The obstruction blocks the line of sight or direct path between the inlet pipe and the float member, but a flow path remains and is defined between the obstruction and the housing wall to allow fluid to flow around the obstruction to the float valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Tiss Limited
    Inventors: Ryan Wholey, Alex McCracken
  • Patent number: 8057665
    Abstract: Disclosed are a cold water tank and a water treatment apparatus. The cold water tank includes a tank body, a water inlet pipe provided at the tank body to convey water into the tank body, a water outlet pipe provided at the tank body to convey the water out of the tank body, and including an air vent hole, and a floating member movably provided at the water outlet pipe to block the air vent hole when the water filling the tank body reaches a height of the air vent hole. The water in the upper portion of the tank body is prevented from passing through the air vent hole and draining through the water outlet pipe, thereby preventing the cooler water in the lower portion from mixing with the hotter water in the upper portion. Only the cooler water in the lower portion can be supplied to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Woongjin Coway Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Man Kim, In Du Choi
  • Patent number: 8033291
    Abstract: A cut-off valve assembly for use with a toilet tank, includes a float within the toilet tank, a water retaining float guide within the toilet tank which allows the vertical travel of the float, the water retaining float guide having weep holes below the lowest travel of the float. The weep holes slowly release the retained water when the water in the tank is below the weep holes, a magnet within the toilet tank, affixed to the bottom of the float, and a magnetically activated cut-off valve for cutting off the water flow to the toilet tank when activated by the magnet. The magnet will activate the magnetically activated cut-off valve when the float is at the lowest travel. A preferred form of the cut-off valve assembly also includes a stem affixed to the float and extending downward from the float. The magnet is affixed to the bottom of the stem, and the magnet is affixed to the float through the stem. In a preferred form, a magnet housing is affixed to the bottom of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Ovie L. Randolph
  • Patent number: 7931046
    Abstract: A steam trap includes an inverted bucket in a bucket chamber. The bucket has a vent hole formed in an upper portion thereof. The vent hole is formed along a vent hole axis, which may be angled so that the bucket rotates from the venting propulsion. The chamber has an outlet orifice formed in a sidewall thereof. There is a spaced vertical distance between the outlet orifice and an upper interior surface of the chamber. Preferably, the bucket is not attached to the chamber and configured to move vertically and horizontally in the bucket chamber, but not flip over. The bucket and the interior sidewalls of the chamber are configured so that the bucket can substantially cover the outlet orifice when the bucket is pulled against the interior sidewall at the location of the outlet orifice by a flow of fluid out of the outlet orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventor: Stafford J. Vallery
  • Publication number: 20100163479
    Abstract: Disclosed are a cold water tank and a water treatment apparatus. The cold water tank includes a tank body, a water inlet pipe provided at the tank body to convey water into the tank body, a water outlet pipe provided at the tank body to convey the water out of the tank body, and including an air vent hole, and a floating member movably provided at the water outlet pipe to block the air vent hole when the water filling the tank body reaches a height of the air vent hole. The water in the upper portion of the tank body is prevented from passing through the air vent hole and draining through the water outlet pipe, thereby preventing the cooler water in the lower portion from mixing with the hotter water in the upper portion. Only the cooler water in the lower portion can be supplied to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: WOONGJIN COWAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Man Kim, In Du Choi
  • Publication number: 20100071785
    Abstract: The fuel cutoff valve has a casing that defines a casing body having a valve chamber and a communicating chamber that connects the valve chamber to the outside; and a float mechanism that is housed within the valve chamber and adapted to open and close a connecting passage through rise and fall in accordance with the fuel level inside the fuel tank. The casing has projecting out respectively from its side part a first pipe that connects to the communicating chamber as well as connecting to the outside via a tube, and a second pipe that connects the communicating chamber to another valve via a tube. The first pipe and the second pipe are situated in a mutually parallel arrangement in the vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: TOYODA GOSEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Natsushi Miura, Norihiro Yamada, Masanori Nojiri
  • Patent number: 7597114
    Abstract: A venting device including one or more seals, one or more floats, and a cap is provided. The one or more seals and the one or more floats are encapsulated by the cap. The venting device further includes a passage, which allows intake and exhaust of air from a driveline component. The one or more floats are capable of moving from a first position to a second position in the passage. The one or more seals close the passage when the one or more floats are at the second position, thereby restricting intake of water in the driveline component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: David G. Buckingham, Thomas H. Lappin, Fawaz M. Elzib
  • Patent number: 7571739
    Abstract: A condensate drain includes a body defining an interior space. An inlet opening is in fluid communication with the interior space of the body for allowing condensate to enter into the interior space, and an outlet opening is in fluid communication with the interior space of the body for allowing condensate to exit the interior space. A float is disposed in the interior space for movement within the interior space relative to the body generally along a float axis between a closed position in which the float blocks fluid communication from the inlet opening to the outlet opening and an open position in which the float permits fluid communication from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. The float is buoyant so that the float is moved to the open position by condensate as condensate fills the interior space of the body. The interior space and the float are sized and shaped so that the float is constrained to substantial alignment with the float axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Steam Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: E. Michael Stamatakis, Michael C. Stamatakis, Christopher T. Luppens
  • Patent number: 7559337
    Abstract: A collapsible floating apparatus for controlling a valve includes a floating device and a collapsible lever. The collapsible lever includes a first member rotatably coupled to the valve, and a second member attached to the floating device at one end and rotatably coupled to the first member adjacent another end. The apparatus has a retracted position for shipping and storage, and operational positions. In the position, the second member, or the first and second members together, are brought adjacent to the valve. In operational positions, the first and second members act as a single lever to relay the buoyancy of the floating device drives to the valve. An adjusting member is provided for adjusting a relative position or angle between the first and second members, which in turn adjusts a water level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Han
  • Publication number: 20080202600
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a fluid level control system comprising a level sensor (10), and a valve in the form of a shut-off valve (12). The level sensor (10) is mounted to a vessel (not shown) and designed to sense the level of fluid, such as fuel, in the vessel. The shut-off valve (12) is designed to be actuated by a dry-break refuelling nozzle (not illustrated). The shut-off valve (12) is operatively coupled to the level sensor (10) via a sampling flow line (14) together with first and second hydraulic return lines (16) and (18), respectively. The shut-off valve (12) is of a normally-open configuration wherein it permits the flow of fuel from the refuelling nozzle to the vessel whilst the fluid or fuel level is below a predetermined level. The level sensor (10) is configured to effect closure of the shut-off valve (12) when the fuel level is at the predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: BANLAW PIPELINE PTY LTD
    Inventors: Adam R. Peattie, Shane Keys
  • Publication number: 20080190490
    Abstract: Safety valve for the venting circuit of a liquid tank Safety valve for the venting circuit of a liquid tank, comprising: a) a chamber (1) provided with a cover (2), which extends at least partly into the tank and is connected via an aperture (4) to the venting circuit; b) a float (7), which can slide vertically inside the chamber (1) and close off the venting aperture (4) in a high position; and c) a moveable wall (3), which divides the chamber (1) into a lower portion (1?) in which the float (7) slides and an upper portion (1?) which connects with the venting circuit, this wall (3) being a moveable wall and having the venting aperture (4), said valve further including an aperture stop (13) integral either with the moveable wall (3) or with the cover (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Inergy Automotive Sys. Research (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventor: Michel Arnalsteen
  • Patent number: 6966334
    Abstract: The float valve has a water inlet, a perforated bottom surface and a lift valve mounted between the water inlet and the bottom surface. A float and a rocker arm are used to raise and lower the disc of the lift valve in response to a water level inside the housing. The valve seat has a first vertical axis and the water inlet has a second vertical axis and the first and second vertical axes are parallel to each other and are spaced apart a distance corresponding substantially to a radius of the valve seat. In another feature, a stud on the rocker arm interferes with the valve stem when the float is in a down position, for leaning the valve stem away from the axes of the valve seat and of the water inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Bolster
  • Patent number: 6895990
    Abstract: Apparatus for automatically shutting off the water supply to a leaking water heater includes a water collecting tray positionable beneath the heater, a valve mechanism attachable to the tray, a float mechanism, and an action arm interactive between the float mechanism and valve mechanism. When water collects in the tray, the float mechanism rises, causing the action arm to trigger the release of a spring-urged component of the valve mechanism to discontinue flow of water to the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: James H. Carroll
  • Patent number: 6874529
    Abstract: The invention concerns a level limit valve for the fuel tank of a vehicle. Such valves serve the purpose, that upon the filling of the fuel tank, the filled quantity of the fuel is limited. The proposed level limit valve possesses a valve body 1 which can be positioned within the fuel tank at the end of a filling pipe. The valve body is equipped with an intake port 22 which is connectable with the said filling pipe and an outlet port 21 emptying into the interior of the fuel tank. Further, in the valve body 1 is found a flap 4, which is pivotally movable between a position tightly sealing the outlet port 21 and a position wherein this is opened. The float 3 is movably connected to said flap 4 by means of a lever rod 5. The lever rod 5 penetrates the outlet port 21 at least in the opened position of the flap 4 and is connected by means of linkage with that outer side 28 of the flap 4 which is proximal to the outlet port 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Alfmeier Prazision AG, Baugruppen und Systemlosungen
    Inventors: Markus Gebhardt, Helmut Kalb, Günter Strauss, Stefan Kirchdorfer, Thomas Theuer
  • Patent number: 6679286
    Abstract: A compact ball tap with 1 a water level switch which comprises a guide standpipe 5 vertically arranged in a tank T, a float 6 slidably installed on the guide standpipe 5, a valve 3, a lever 4 controlling an open-close action of the valve 3 connected with the float 6, and a water level switch 29 transmitting predetermined control signals when the float 6 shifts to a predetermined water level, wherein one float 6 is shared by the ball tap 1 and the water level switch 29.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Yoshitake Inc.
    Inventors: Nobuhide Kato, Hiroyuki Mizuno
  • Patent number: 6619312
    Abstract: A flow control mechanism for an eaves trough downspout has a primary flow path through a housing from an inlet to a first outlet. A tubular arm extends from the housing and has a first end is in fluid communication with a second outlet. A deflector is pivotally secured within the housing for movement between a deflecting position and an inoperative position. In the deflecting position, the deflector deflects a liquid stream flowing along the primary flow path to a secondary flow path through the second outlet. A linkage extends through the tubular arm. A float is positioned at the second end of the tubular arm and suspended from a second end of the linkage. Movement of the deflector between the deflecting position and the inoperative position is tied by the linkage to the position of the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Gaston Doiron
  • Patent number: 6615863
    Abstract: A toilet fill valve (16) includes a fill tube (21) which is mounted through a hole (14) in a toilet tank wall (12), having isolating means for isolating the fill tube (21) from direct contact with the toilet tank wall (12), as well as isolating water-borne noise and vibration in the fill tube (21) from direct transmission to the wall (12) of the tank (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Fluidmaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Tuan V. Le
  • Patent number: 6550488
    Abstract: An efficient residential dishwasher is disclosed. The residential dishwasher comprises a washing chamber, a rack within the washing chamber for holding dishes, a water tank for holding hot water to be used to clean dishes located on the rack, and at least one spray head within the washing chamber for cleaning dishes on the rack. After hot water has been delivered from the water tank to the washing chamber, the spray head sprays hot water to the dishes on the rack for the purpose of cleaning. The water tank will be filled with water from a fresh water line in response to a cooking apparatus being turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Praxis Technology Group
    Inventor: Philip R. McKee
  • Patent number: 6523562
    Abstract: A control system for stopping a plumbing-related flooding situation in a building includes at least one sensor for accumulating water and producing a low voltage electrical control signal when sufficient water is accumulated. An actuating system receives the control signal and in turn routes 110 volt current to an electrically activated valve located in a main feed conduit of the plumbing system. The reopening of the valve is achieved by a manually operated electrical switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Roger Harper
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6253785
    Abstract: A water supply shutoff valve system is used with a fluid storage tank, such as a hot water heater, to automatically shut off the water supply to the storage tank as a result of leak containment which in turn causes a magnetic float to rise and consequently produce the mechanical force necessary to release and close a spring loaded water supply valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Inventors: Carlis L. Shumake, Jr., Wallace M. Sumner
  • Patent number: 6202676
    Abstract: A liquid level control unit having a permanent magnet mechanism for translating displacements of a displaces element in the liquid of a container to an actuator device that actuates a control system for a regulated device such as a supply water control valve in a boiler system the control unit utilizing concentrically positioned annular magnet assemblies that are separated by a tube to shield the environment of one magnet assembly from the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Martin Bekedam
  • Patent number: 5971009
    Abstract: A containment assembly for storing a liquid substance above a ground support surface has an inner tank for receiving and storing the liquid and an outer tank surrounding the inner tank and forming a first air space therebetween for trapping any of the liquid which might escape said inner tank. A support beneath the outer tank provides a second air space between the outer tank and the ground support surface, and a thermal insulating layer substantially envelopes the inner tank, outer tank and support from the ambient. A vapour exhaust vent is provided atop the inner tank, which may include a liquid scrubber for recovering liquids from discharging gases and returning the liquids to the inner tank or elsewhere. Piping is provided for liquid communication between the inner tank and external liquid sources for filling and emptying the inner tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: TankSafe Inc.
    Inventors: Reinhard Schuetz, Ernest Jacobson, Roger Charest
  • Patent number: 5937455
    Abstract: An electrically operated solenoid valve for use on a flush toilet tank, and capable of variable adjustment. This system comprises a float switch mounted on a calibrated bracket secured to a tank, such that the float for the float switch is mounted within the tank and the height of the float above the tank floor can be adjusted utilizing the bracket. The bracket is preferably calibrated, so as to permit variable adjustment to the height of the float within the tank. The float switch is upwardly connected to an electrically operated solenoid valve to permit water to flow into the tank when the float is below a minimum water level, and to close the valve when the float returns to the minimum water level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: William R. Donati
  • Patent number: 5887614
    Abstract: An overfill prevention device for storage tanks includes an elongate tubular housing having a liquid flow passageway. A normally open main valve and a normally closed vapor retaining bleed valve are associated with the fluid passageway. Closure of the main valve interrupts the primary flow of liquid through the passageway and closure of the bleed valve prevents any further liquid from entering the tank and also prevents the escape of vapors from the tank. Operation of the main valve is controlled in significant part by a valve latch assembly which is carried by the housing and a relatch assembly which is carried by the main valve. The relatch assembly ensures operative engagement of the main valve with the valve latch assembly upon movement of the main valve from the intermediate position to the open position. Operation of the main valve and vapor retaining bleed valve is also controlled indirectly by a plurality of floats which are maintained in a float chamber extending adjacent the liquid passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Emco Wheaton Retail Corporation
    Inventors: Francis Bruce Weeks, George R. Cockram
  • Patent number: 5862830
    Abstract: A water replenishment plug for batteries containing a liquid electrolyte has a push-in plug housing (11) which is made complementary at the outside to an upper battery housing opening. Furthermore, a water chamber (13) is provided at the push-in plug housing (11) at the top and has a water supply opening (15) closeable by the valve (14) and at least one flow connection to the region of the push-in plug housing (11) which, after the insertion into a battery housing opening, communicates with the interior of the battery. Furthermore, at least one tube stub (16) is provided onto which a water supply hose can be placed and which stands in flow connection (17) with the valve inlet (18). A float (19) which projects out of the push-in plug housing (11) at the bottom is connected via a float rod (20) and a cross-piece (21) provided at its upper end region to the valve body (22) which has a valve stem (27) and cooperates with a valve seat (15) at the valve housing (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Landau Systemtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Reinhard Landau
  • Patent number: 5662460
    Abstract: A pneumatic pump having a variable buoyant actuator to substantially reduce the volume of a float, thereby increasing the fluid capacity for any pump of a given size. The pump includes an elongated housing, a sealable fluid entry aperture and a pipe communicating between an interior and an exterior of the housing. The housing includes a bottom wall and a cylindrical side wall extending from the bottom wall and terminating in an opening. A switchable valve control having a pod closes the opening. The pod has a plurality of valve seats and a plurality of corresponding valve elements, with the plurality of valve seats defining fluid inlet and output ports. The actuator is coupled to alternatingly placed valve elements in sealing engagement with fluid inlet and outlet ports in response to a level of fluid in the housing. The variable buoyant actuator includes first buoyant member disposed proximate to the bottom wall, and a buoyant amplifier disposed opposite to the first buoyant member, proximate to the pod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: D. Bruce Modesitt
  • Patent number: 5618410
    Abstract: An automatically draining vacuum apparatus for collecting a fluid to be vacuumed. The vacuum apparatus includes a vacuum generating source which generates a suction force and a tank for holding the fluid to be vacuumed. The tank includes a vacuum port, an inlet and a drainage opening for emptying fluid held within the tank. The suction force at the vacuum port draws the fluid to be vacuumed into the tank through the inlet and prevents the fluid within the tank from passing from the tank through the drainage opening. A float is located in the tank for closing off the vacuum port to prevent the fluid within the tank from passing through the vacuum port. The float has a positive buoyancy with respect to the fluid and is positioned within the tank such that when the fluid within the tank is above a predetermined level, the suction force at the vacuum port and the float buoyancy maintain the float in a blocking position to at least partially block the vacuum port, creating a second suction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Den-Tal-Ez, Inc.
    Inventors: George M. Wallace, Terence L. Snyder
  • Patent number: 5567283
    Abstract: An electrolytic chlorine gas generating system is disclosed. The system includes an electrolytic cell generating the chlorine gas, a brine tank supplying saturated brine to the anode compartment of the cell, and an acid feed tank containing hydrochloric acid at sufficient concentration to maintain the anolyte brine at less than about pH 4.0. In operation, the brine tank contains solid sodium chloride which dissolves in the brine and replenishes the anolyte brine solution as chloride ion is consumed during electrolysis. The acid feed tank is in fluid communication with the brine tank so that the brine is maintained at a constant volume during electrolysis. A caustic system is also disclosed including a means for controlling caustic delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventors: Scott Lynn, Steven F. Sciamanna, Aldo F. Sciamanna
  • Patent number: 5544685
    Abstract: An electronic sensor and fill controller for use with a refillable liquid gas container is disclosed. The present invention in broadest terms comprises a valve body for the container, a shaft extending from the valve body into the container, an electronic sensor disposed on the shaft, and a controller adapted to initiate, terminate or alter an electrical signal once the sensor senses contact with the liquified gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Keifer Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Dale M. Stieferman
  • Patent number: 5518024
    Abstract: An overfill prevention device for storage tanks includes an elongate tubular housing having a liquid flow passageway. A normally open main valve and a normally closed vapor retaining bleed valve are associated with the fluid passageway. Closure of the main valve interrupts the primary flow of liquid through the passageway and closure of the bleed valve prevents any further liquid from entering the tank and also prevents the escape of vapors from the tank. Operation of the main valve is controlled in significant part by a valve latch assembly which is carried by the housing and a relatch assembly which is carried by the main valve. The relatch assembly ensures operative engagement of the main valve with the valve latch assembly upon movement of the main valve from the intermediate position to the open position. Operation of the main valve and vapor retaining bleed valve is also controlled indirectly by a plurality of floats which are maintained in a float chamber extending adjacent the liquid passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Emco Wheaton, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis B. Weeks, George R. Cockram
  • Patent number: 5456409
    Abstract: A method and device for maintaining a fluid at a working pressure in a substantially closed fluid circulation system wherein the temperature of the fluid can vary and which is preferably deaerated continuously. The maintenance of a working pressure is realized by keeping the system filled automatically by connecting said system, by means of a closable connection, to a stock of fluid which is under atmospheric pressure, the fluid circulation system and the stock of fluid being connected directly, which connection is opened at and below atmospheric pressure at the location of the connection and, when the working pressure rises, is automatically closed at atmospheric pressure at the location of the connection. If so desired, replenishment of the stock of fluid, which is preferably disposed in the vicinity of the highest point of the system and may serve as expansion possibility for the system, may be effected automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Spiro Research B.V.
    Inventor: Franciscus Roffelsen
  • Patent number: 5406993
    Abstract: A safety tank apparatus is provided for installation to receive and store a liquid hydrocarbon or hydrocarbons, or the like, and from which the liquid may be withdrawn. It comprises tank structure including an inner metallic tank; an outer metallic tank protectively receiving the inner tank with accessible interior space laterally of the inner tank; a barrier wall between that interior space and the inner wall; an opening in the outer tank sidewall adjacent that interior space; and a closure closing the opening, the closure movable to expose the interior space to access from the exterior; and tank liquid flow control structure accessible through the side wall opening, for controlling filling of the liquid into the inner tank from the exterior of the safety apparatus, and for controlling liquid removal from the inner tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: LRS, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. McGarvey
  • Patent number: 5365969
    Abstract: An improved float to prevent over-filling of a dishwashing machine including a cylindrical main float body, a skirt attached to the main float body and extending outwardly and downwardly therefrom, and a float stem. The main float body includes a lower portion which extends downwardly beyond a lower terminal portion of the skirt, and serves as a suds stop to prevent suds created during operation of the dishwasher from rising up within the hollow interior of the main float body and flowing down a stand pipe upon which the float is mounted. The lower portion of the main float body includes a slotted opening which serves as a vacuum breaker to prevent a vacuum from being created within the main float body which would cause the float to adhere to bottom wall of the dishwasher tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: White Consolidated Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Edwards