Safety Cut-off Requiring Reset Patents (Class 137/456)
  • Patent number: 11353152
    Abstract: The present invention relates to couplers for transferring fluid between space assets, particularly in a vacuum microgravity environment with radiation exposure. In particular, the couplers provide for transfer of fluids, such as propellants, coolants, pressurant gases, or life-support fluids, preferably between assets in the space environment or in terrestrial environments such as Earth, the Moon, or Mars. The couplers provide self-alignment features which enable their use in blind-mate, telerobotic, fully autonomous robotic systems. The invention provides a common design architecture for different fluids accommodating a variety of flow rates and pressure drops depending upon the particular fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA
    Inventors: Douglas Hawk, Hans Raven, Matthew Ashmore, Hsiao Smith, Tim Horner
  • Patent number: 11111759
    Abstract: A ball valve assembly configured to be controlled remotely can be included in a system for fracking a well. Ball valve assemblies of the present disclosure can include a main body having a bore for transmitting fluid therethrough and a ball disposed within the main body and having a throughbore, the ball being hydraulically rotatable within the main body for rotation between an open state and a closed state of the ball. Such ball valve assemblies can include other components such as one or more wipers on and in contact with an external surface of the ball throughout rotational operations of the ball to minimize debris from interfering with the valve, and/or pressure equalizing valves to adjust fluid pressure above and below the ball of the assembly, for example. Further, the ball vale assembly can be adapted to operate more safely by including a directional lock plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: JNJ FRACKING, LLC
    Inventors: Shawn Mudigere, Devaraj Sadagopan
  • Patent number: 10669809
    Abstract: A pressure control valve located in an improved tubing hanger of an oil or gas wellhead. The pressure valve having in-line communication with the production bore and having pressure activation. The pressure activation is imparted by utilizing hydraulic pressure input through the existing test port into the tubing head adapter void space. The pressure actuates the in-line wellhead control valve in a safer, more efficient, and less expensive manner than current industry practices and provides a barrier to pressurized hydrocarbons, both liquid and gas, produced by the well. The control valve eliminates the need for a lubricator and expensive specialized equipment. The valve is easily operated by a standard hydraulic hand pump through the existing test port of the tubing head adapter, and fits inside the tubing hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventors: Billy A Bowen, Jr., Jason Lee Bowen
  • Patent number: 10604281
    Abstract: A Cooperative Service Valve includes a fitting connected to a valve body via a tube, a stem configured to fit within the valve body. The stem includes a stem first end having a first seal and configured to movably fit within a tube first end, a sealing portion connected to the stem first end and configured, in a first position, to provide a second seal between the sealing portion and an inner surface of the stem body, a fluid flow portion comprising openings for allowing liquid or gaseous media to pass through the Cooperative Service Valve when the stem is in a second position and a stem second end configured to secure a poppet guide, a poppet and a spring associated with the poppet that biases the poppet against a seal to yield a third seal. The first, second and third seals open and close in a particular order to allow or prevent fluid from flowing through the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: U.S.A. as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Hans Raven, Matthew Ashmore, Erich Schulze
  • Patent number: 10591015
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a gas spring cylinder containing a piston moveable between an extended position and a compressed position within the gas spring cylinder. A mechanical actuator is arranged whereby a bleed port is automatically closed when the gas spring is compressed to a predetermined position corresponding to a desired sag setting. In one embodiment, the position corresponds to a predetermined sag setting whereby the gas spring is partially compressed. In another embodiment, a proper sag setting is determined through the use of a processor and sensor that in one instance measure a position of shock absorber components to dictate a proper sag setting and in another instance calculate a pressure corresponding to a preferred sag setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Fox Factory, Inc.
    Inventors: Mario Galasso, Dennis K. Wootten
  • Patent number: 10386868
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a sensing cavity and a piston cavity defined in valve body and/or in a bonnet. A piston head of a piston may be disposed within the piston cavity, and a piston stem has an end portion in contact with valve plug. A baffle plate has a first surface defining a portion of the sensing cavity and a second surface defines a portion of the piston cavity. The baffle plate includes at least one baffle aperture such that the sensing cavity is in fluid communication with the piston cavity, and pressure in the sensing cavity acts on a surface of the piston head to displace the piston and the valve plug between an open and closed position. The at least one baffle aperture is adapted to restrict the flow of fluid between the sensing cavity and the first working volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: TESCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jacob T. R. Renollett, Todd W. Larsen
  • Patent number: 10378536
    Abstract: A compressor discharge system, operable to output a flow of compressed air to a service line at a system pressure, includes a compressor operable to produce a flow of compressed air at a discharge pressure. The system also includes a filter positioned downstream of the compressor and operable to receive the flow of compressed air at about the discharge pressure and discharge the flow of compressed air at a filter pressure. The system also includes a control assembly including an actuator and a variable sized orifice movable between a first, open position and a second, restricted position, the variable orifice positioned to receive the flow of compressed air at about the filter pressure and to discharge the flow of compressed air at the system pressure. The actuator is operable in response to pressure feedback in the customer service line to move the orifice to the restricted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: CLARK EQUIPMENT COMPANY
    Inventor: Richard Kouzel
  • Patent number: 10266380
    Abstract: A treatment head for filling a container that has a valve arrangement having an external valve-part and a fastening region includes a housing, a plunger, first and second fluid-ducts, a seal, and a shielding section. The plunger is held so as to be displaced for opening said valve arrangement. The first fluid-duct feeds liquid into said container, and the second fluid-duct provides a path for discharging fluid from said container. The seal bears against the external valve-part. The shielding section shields at least the fastening region from fluid carried in the first fluid-duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Hilmar Fickert
  • Patent number: 9759342
    Abstract: A slam shut safety device includes a valve body, a valve disc, a reset pin, and a reset pin guide. The valve disc is disposed within the valve body and shiftable along a slam shut axis between an open position and a closed second position. The reset pin is operatively coupled to the valve disc and shiftable along the slam shut axis relative to the valve body between an untripped position placing the valve disc in the open position and a tripped position placing the valve disc in the closed position. The reset pin guide supports one end of the reset pin, thereby providing added structural integrity to the reset pin and valve disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT REGULATOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Eva Gota, Tiberiu Moldovan, Tung K. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9383062
    Abstract: A sampling and rejection device for a boiler or steam generating system is described. The sampling and rejection device receives the condensate or fluid and allows a volume of the condensate to liquefy or the fluid to build up in the interior of the sampling and rejection device. One or more conductivity, pH, and temperature sensors or probes are positioned in the sampling and rejection device to measure the condensate. The sampling and rejection device includes a collection vessel to hold and temporarily store the condensate. The sampling and rejection device includes an outlet or a return line (to a central boiler) and a drain line. If the sensor measures undesirable conductivity, pH, or temperature in the condensate in the collection vessel, then a valve to the drain line is opened and the condensate is rejected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Automation Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin P. Petzoldt
  • Patent number: 9309099
    Abstract: A side shift limiting attachment for a material handing vehicle alerts the vehicles operator and restricts side shifting, lifting, tilting and/or rotation of the attachment when the side shift displacement is approaching or has reached a limit for a lift height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Cascade Corporation
    Inventors: Andrea Dal Dosso, Pat S. McKernan, D. Clark Jordan, Gregory A. Nagle, David W. Petronek
  • Patent number: 9200501
    Abstract: A valve assembly comprises a conduit having a throughbore and defining a longitudinal axis, a sealing member that is moveable between an open configuration in which the throughbore of the conduit is open, and a sealing configuration in which the sealing member is arranged to substantially obturate the throughbore of the conduit, wherein in the sealing configuration, the sealing member seals the throughbore along a sealing line at least a part of which is angled relative to a direction perpendicular to the axis of the throughbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Petrowell Limited
    Inventors: Damien Gerard Patton, Davidson Harman
  • Patent number: 9010359
    Abstract: The safety protection device contains a control unit, a transmission unit, and a throttle unit. The control method contains the following steps: step A: setting a condition parameter X of the control unit; step B: engaging the safety protection device into an operational mode; step C: determining if an external condition X0 satisfies the condition parameter X; if yes, continuing to the step D; otherwise, returning to the step B; and step D: turning off the throttle unit through the transmission unit driven by the control unit. A valve is configured inside the throttle unit and connected to a base through a driving device and to the transmission unit. The control unit contains an energy storage/release device configured on the throttle unit. A moveable block is configured inside the energy storage/release device. The transmission unit, together with the block, controls the open and close of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Chun-Hsien Lee
  • Publication number: 20140373945
    Abstract: A high-pressure fluid conduit that conducts high-pressure fluid from a high-pressure fluid source to a high-pressure fluid container through a hose unit during open or normal operation. This high-pressure fluid conduit has a safety feature that is activated when the high-pressure fluid conduit fails due to exposure to a predetermined force. The safety feature closes off the flow of high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid source and closes off the escape of high-pressure fluid from the hose unit that entered the hose unit during open or normal operation. In addition, when the hose unit fails, fluid flow from the high-pressure fluid source and high-pressure fluid flow from the high-pressure fluid container is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Cardona
  • Publication number: 20140373944
    Abstract: A high-pressure fluid conduit that conducts high-pressure fluid from a high-pressure fluid source to a high-pressure fluid container through a hose unit during open or normal operation. This high-pressure fluid conduit has a safety feature that is activated when the high-pressure fluid conduit fails due to exposure to a predetermined force. The safety feature closes off the flow of high-pressure fluid from the high-pressure fluid source and closes off the escape of high-pressure fluid from the hose unit that entered the hose unit during open or normal operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Zena Associates, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Cardona
  • Patent number: 8869824
    Abstract: A check valve assembly which in an open position allows liquid to flow in one direction through the assembly including a moving sealing member which engages a seal to prevent liquid flow in a second opposite direction. The sealing member may be moved into engagement with the seal by rotation of a stem with an eccentric to block flow in both directions. A check valve and shut-off device assembly which in an open position allows liquid to flow in one direction through the assembly until gas or foam is mixed with the liquid. The shut-off device includes a sealing member which engages a seal to block flow through the assembly when foam or gas is present in the liquid. The check valve includes a sealing member which can reset the shut-off device. The check valve sealing member also engages the same sealing member to prevent any flow through the assembly in a closed position. In an open position, the check valve sealing member may engage the seal to prevent reverse flow of liquid through the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Perlick Corporation
    Inventor: Gennady Arov
  • Publication number: 20140311579
    Abstract: A breakaway assembly including a first connector and a second connector that is releasably coupleable to the first connector. The assembly is movable between a first configuration in which the first and second connectors are coupled and together define a fluid path through which fluid is flowable, and a second configuration in which the first and second connectors are axially separated. The assembly is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a sufficient separation force is applied to the assembly, and to be moved from the second configuration to the first configuration when a sufficient connecting force is applied to the assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: OPW Fueling Components Inc.
    Inventor: Seifollah S. Nanaji
  • Patent number: 8752576
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for mechanically reducing internal pressure of a column in a refinery or petrochemical process, which uses a safety relay valve for operating an emergency shutdown valve able to mechanically block the supply of a heat source in the process, thus reducing the mounting cost, simplifying the process and ensuring high reliability thanks to the use of mechanical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Pields Engineering Inc.
    Inventor: Chang Hun Na
  • Publication number: 20140124058
    Abstract: A control mechanism for use with a safety valve adapted to seal a wellbore is described. The control mechanism comprises at least one valve actuator for engaging with the safety valve, the at least one actuator being moveable, in use, between a valve open position in which the safety valve is open and a valve closed position, in which the safety valve is closed. The control mechanism further comprises biasing apparatus adapted to bias the at least one valve actuator to the valve closed position, wherein, in use, the at least one valve actuator extends from the safety valve up to a wellbore wellhead. In one described embodiment, the safety valve is moved between the open and closed positions by movement of the at least one valve actuator with respect to the wellbore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicants: IRW Services Limited, Enovate Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Edwards
  • Publication number: 20140083525
    Abstract: A slam-shut safety device includes a valve body, a valve disc, a reset pin, a and a guide collar. The valve disc is shiftable between an open position spaced away from a valve seat, and a closed position seated against the valve seat. The reset pin operatively is coupled to the valve disc and shiftable between an untripped position placing the valve disc in the open position and a tripped position placing the valve disc in the closed position. The guide collar includes a hollow cylindrical portion slidably supported in a guide bore and extending at least partly over the reset pin at a location adjacent to the valve disc. The guide collar is shiftable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the guide bore for providing added structural integrity and protecting the reset pin from bending forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT REGULATOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Tung Kim Nguyen, Cristian-Tiberiu Moldovan, Roman Alexandru-Vlad, Stanley D. Hall, Michel Bouvry, David E. Woollums
  • Publication number: 20140076423
    Abstract: A pipeline leak detection, containment and cutoff system features a flexible tubular jacket fitted circumferentially around the pipeline for expansion by leaking fluid. A coil is wrapped on the jacket and has a terminal fitting that normally resides in an engaged position maintain a predetermined state of a control circuit that connected to a valve installed on the pipeline. When the jacket expands under the action of fluid leaking from the pipeline, this increases the coil diameter a the expanding area of the jacket, which pulls the terminal fitting from its engaged position, thereby changing the state of the control circuit and causing the valve to close the pipeline and prevent further leakage from same. Preferably multiple valves installed along the pipeline are wired in series such that control circuit closes all the valves under a change in the control circuit by any one of the coils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Robert J. Novak
  • Patent number: 8671972
    Abstract: An overpressure protection system provides for protection of a hydraulic system from elevated pressures. The system automatically stops flow to the system and prevents system pressure from exceeding a predetermined level. The system requires manual intervention to reopen flow, giving a worker the opportunity to resolve any system problems before system damage occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Mike Winn
  • Publication number: 20140053920
    Abstract: A hot water tank has an electronic circuit on the tank that monitors the incoming water flow and the outgoing water flow. If the sensors in the circuit sense incoming water and no outgoing water flow, then there must be a problem and the system will automatically shut off the incoming water to the tank. Current hot water tanks that do not monitor the flow of water into and out of the tank and, therefore, if the tank ruptures, water is left to flow out of the tank and flood the home. With the system of the present invention, the flow in and out of the water tank is measured and incoming water can be shut off in the event where incoming flow exceeds outgoing flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: John George Vasilakis, Tom Galey
  • Patent number: 8596608
    Abstract: A sub sea valve actuator system including a piston and cylinder assembly and a return spring arranged in an actuator housing, a hydraulic pump and electric motor assembly associated with the piston and cylinder assembly, and hydraulic flow lines for hydraulic medium driving the piston and cylinder in relative displacement against a force of the return spring. The valve actuator system includes a detector configured to detect an end-of-stroke position of the piston and cylinder assembly. The detector includes at least one of: a motor current monitoring circuit unit, a hydraulic medium pressure sensor unit, a position sensor unit, and a linear variable differential transformer unit. An electromechanical arresting mechanism is arranged to be energized for releasably arresting the return spring in a compressed state in result of the detected end-of-stroke position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Veteo Gray Scandinavia AS
    Inventors: Tom Grimseth, Christian Borchgrevink, Jon Flidh, Jan Olav Pettersen
  • Patent number: 8430115
    Abstract: An electronic leak detection system for home humidifier using the duct air conditioning system. The leak detection system uses a simple sensor in a water collection tray under the humidifier to detect if leakage has occurred. An auxiliary solenoid valve is connected in line with the water supply to the humidifier. When leakage is detected, power to the humidifier system is shut down and an auxiliary solenoid valve is powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Norman Thomas Stieb
  • Publication number: 20130061942
    Abstract: A resettable relief valve is provided that includes a valve body having a valve seat and forming a pressure chamber, a poppet valve coupled to a poppet shaft slidably received in the valve body, a main spring mounted on the poppet shaft and seated against the valve body for urging the poppet valve into a closed position against the valve seat, and at least one spring loaded ball detent mounted in the valve body to apply pressure against the poppet shaft. A method of resetting a pressure relief valve is also provided, and includes mounting a resettable relief valve so that a pressure chamber of the resettable valve is exposed to a pressurized fluid flow and pushing a poppet valve toward the valve body when the poppet valve is in the open position so that a spring loaded ball detent disengages from a second groove on a poppet shaft and reengages with a first groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: DUKES AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventor: DUKES AEROSPACE, INC.
  • Patent number: 8393352
    Abstract: Known water supply systems are fed from a source of water such as a tank (6) via a pump (5) to outlets which are occludable by means of a cock (C1-C3). A water pressure sensitive electrical switch (S1) is located downstream of the pump (5) and upstream of the outlets. The switch (S1) is connected in series with an electrical supply for the pump and turns the pump on in response in a drop in water pressure downstream of the switch. Similarly the pump is turned off in response to water pressure downstream to the switch reaching a predetermined minimum pressure, A control system is disclosed in the form of a timer (T) connected in parallel with the pump (5) and energized via the switch (S1). A normally closed safeguard switch (S2) is connected in series with the pump and rendered non-conductive by the timer (T) being energized for a predetermined period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: H2O Organiser Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Robert Porter-Coote
  • Publication number: 20130056095
    Abstract: A self-reset valve has a fixed unit, a water diversion body, a stop mechanism, a drive shaft and a clutch. The fixed unit is disposed with an inlet waterway and at least two waterways. The water diversion body is rotatably connected to the fixed unit inside. The water diversion body is disposed with an outer revolution surface having an outer ratch and an inner revolution surface. The stop mechanism is connected to the fixed unit and acted on the outer ratch. The drive shaft is rotatably connected to the fixed unit. The drive shaft is disposed with a control end and a drive end. The clutch is connected between the drive end of the drive shaft and the inner revolution surface of the water diversion body. The reset elastic body is connected between the drive shaft and the fixed unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicants: XIAMEN SOLEX HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huasong Zhou, Yanhui Zhong, Haisong Peng, Qingshuang LI
  • Publication number: 20120305107
    Abstract: A damage detection system includes an electromagnetic valve that is provided at a first end of a pressure vessel and operated by supplied electric power, a harness that is disposed so as to at least partially extend along at least a part of a bottom surface of the pressure vessel and that serves to supply electric power to the electromagnetic valve, and a damage detector for detecting damage of the pressure vessel based on an input of a pressing force from the bottom surface side of the pressure vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki Yahashi, Tsukuo Ishitoya
  • Publication number: 20120291871
    Abstract: A gas line leakage monitor for beverage dispensing system is configured to prevent unintended environmental discharge of a beverage dispensing gas such as CO2. The monitor includes a gas inlet coupled to the source of gas and a gas outlet coupled to the dispensing portions of the system. The monitor includes a flow sensor detecting when gas is flowing through the monitor. The monitor includes a timer coupled to the flow sensor and tracking the amount of time that the flow sensor detects at least each episode of un-interrupted flow of gas through the monitor. The monitor includes a shut-off valve coupled to the timer for stopping the flow of gas through the monitor and to the system's dispensing portions when the timer indicates an episode of un-interrupted gas flow through the monitor meets a pre-set threshold. The monitor includes a manual reset for opening the shut-off valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: BEVTECH INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Daniel E. Schneider
  • Patent number: 8100141
    Abstract: A water supply control assembly is disclosed for cutting off the supply of water to a house or building in the event of excessive water consumption. In one embodiment, a valve is secured to a distribution conduit in fluid communication with a pressurized source of fluid. A water flow sensing unit is secured between the inlet port and the flow discharge port. A magnet is mounted therein to a displaceable member and moved into and out of magnetic field coupling proximity to a timing reed switch in response to the onset and termination of pressurized water flow through the water flow sensing unit. A controller is coupled to the timing reed switch in order to actuate the valve to a water shut-off condition in response to the continuous flow of pressurized water for an elapsed flow time in excess of a preset duty cycle limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventors: Raymond H. Slupecki, J. Thomas Miller
  • Patent number: 8066032
    Abstract: An apparatus for rapidly terminating of the flow of any fluid or particulate material through a conduit responsive to predefined dangerous conditions. A particular application will terminate fuel flow through a large fuel supply conduit in a racing vehicle responsive to a fire or accident or other dangerous condition. The apparatus includes a gas supply source that is opened responsive to actuation of the apparatus such that gas passes into a cylinder which moves to force a liquid to hydraulically expand an inflatable member which is operative to expand within the flow conduit to instantaneously terminate material flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Diversatech, Inc.
    Inventors: Haskel Zeloof, James Vena
  • Patent number: 7913714
    Abstract: A check valve assembly which in an open position allows liquid to flow in one direction through the assembly including a moving sealing member which engages a seal to prevent liquid flow in a second opposite direction. The sealing member may be moved into engagement with the seal by rotation of a stem with an eccentric to block flow in both directions. A check valve and shut-off device assembly which in an open position allows liquid to flow in one direction through the assembly until gas or foam is mixed with the liquid. The shut-off device includes a sealing member which engages a seal to block flow through the assembly when foam or gas is present in the liquid. The check valve includes a sealing member which can reset the shut-off device. The check valve sealing member also engages the same sealing member to prevent any flow through the assembly in a closed position. In an open position, the check valve sealing member may engage the seal to prevent reverse flow of liquid through the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Perlick Corporation
    Inventors: Gennady Arov, Larry M. Molinari
  • Publication number: 20100116910
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ball valve for adjusting a flow of a fluid medium. The ball valve includes a valve seat and a rounded closing element, in particular a valve ball. Furthermore, the ball valve has an inlet with a choke valve and one diffuser arranged between the choke valve and the valve seat. The diffuser includes a constriction on the side facing the valve seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Gerhard Girlinger, Frank Traxel, Roland Mitter
  • Patent number: 7658203
    Abstract: Fluid sensing shut-off devices with timer and methods of operation to shut off fluid flow if a primary shutoff valve sticks in the on condition. An embodiment is disclosed using a microphone to sense fluid flow, with a microprocessor periodically awakening from a sleep mode to power the sensor and determine if there is flow. If there is flow, the microprocessor times flow, and if flow is not shut off within a predetermined length of time, the microprocessor shuts off the valve. The valve itself normally held in a magnetically latched, valve open state, but may be unlatched by a current pulse to close the valve. Various embodiments and applications are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Enginuity, Inc.
    Inventors: Thurman F. Hodge, Benjamin Grill, Oded Eddie Sturman
  • Patent number: 7644723
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing a dense liquid such as diesel fuel from being dispensed into a storage tank that contains a less dense liquid, such as gasoline fuel and vice versa. The unloading process happens by gravity through a vertical down hole. The invention uses the gravitational flow of the fluid, a movable float that is moved by contact with a fluid of a predetermined density, and a magnetic member to activate the stopping feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Endre Zsigmond
  • Patent number: 7509975
    Abstract: Fluid sensing shut-off devices with timer and methods of operation to shut off fluid flow if a primary shutoff valve sticks in the on condition. An embodiment is disclosed using a microphone to sense fluid flow, with a microprocessor periodically awakening from a sleep mode to power the sensor and determine if there is flow. If there is flow, the microprocessor times flow, and if flow is not shut off within a predetermined length of time, the microprocessor shuts off the valve. The valve itself normally held in a magnetically latched, valve open state, but may be unlatched by a current pulse to close the valve. Various embodiments and applications are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Enginuity, Inc.
    Inventors: Thurman F. Hodge, Benjamin Grill, Oded Eddie Sturman
  • Patent number: 7509973
    Abstract: A system to prevent an excess flow of water to a toilet tank in the event of a failure of a primary flow control assembly including a novel secondary shut-off valve which is automatically disposed into an initialized configuration upon completion of a normal flush cycle, but which is disposed into a closed configuration in the event of a failed flush cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Manuel Deive
  • Publication number: 20080185049
    Abstract: A fluid supply monitoring system includes a housing, a shutoff valve and a flow sensor positioned downstream from the shutoff valve within the housing. The shutoff valve selectively blocks a fluid flow. The flow sensor is operable to monitor the fluid flow to calculate at least a length of time the fluid flow has flown without interruption, a total volume of the fluid flow that has flown, and a flow rate of the fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Timothy David Mulligan, David Michael Parrish, Richard Quintana, Aaron Ross London, Lindon Alford Baker, Richard Alan Gros
  • Publication number: 20080087330
    Abstract: The present invention is a water conservation safety shut-off valve assembly for use on locations which normally have intermittent water usage but need to indicate when there is constant water usage, such as a leak. The valve assembly has a valve body with a fluid pathway and a valve plug held in an open position allowing water to flow through the pathway. As water flows through the pathway, a flow detection switch monitors water flowing through the pathway and begins timing duration of water flowing through the pathway. If the water flow through the pathway stops, the timer value is reset to zero. If the water flows through the pathway, and the timer circuit reaches a predetermined value, the valve closes the pathway, stopping the flow of water through the valve assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: CASTLEBRIDGE ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Roger A. Burlage, Brian J. Burlage
  • Patent number: 7357150
    Abstract: A safety shut-off device for sections of fluid circuits, which in case of damage or the like, have to shut off from each other on safety considerations. The safety shut-off device includes at least two valves connected to each other via a control chamber. A first pressure differential with the control chamber closes the valves and a second pressure differential, which is greater than the first, opens the valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Juergen Berbuer
  • Patent number: 7287444
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods of controlling the pressure in a modulation pressure circuit through transmission fluid through an orificed check valve supplementary or in substitution of a computer-controlled pressure regulation solenoid. Detailed information on various example embodiments of the inventions are provided in the Detailed Description below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Gary S. Carne
  • Patent number: 7231934
    Abstract: A shut-off device, in particular for application in the extraction of natural gas and mineral oil, has a shut-off housing (3) comprising an admission channel (2) and in which a shut-off organ (4) is supported in an adjustable manner relative to the admission channel (2) between an open position (5) and a closed position (6), and has an actuating device (7) at least for adjusting the shut-off organ (4) from the open position (5) into the closed position (6). To improve such a shut-off device in that, especially in an emergency, fast adjustment of the shut-off organ to the closed position is possible in a constructively easy and economical manner, the actuating device comprises a gas generation device (8) for the production of an adjustment pressure for adjusting the shut-off organ (4) in the direction of the close position (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Klaus Biester
  • Patent number: 7077376
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve designed to be in series with a toilet water supply line and the inlet of a toilet tank so that water which is flowing into the tank must flow through the valve. The valve includes a shutoff spool that is actuated by an intensifier piston. When the water volume exceeds the tank capacity due to a failure of the float valve in the toilet supply tank, the shutoff spool is actuated by the intensifier piston allowing flow to the toilet to be blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Devas, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph Agnoni, James E. Bryan, David M. Lanzer
  • Patent number: 6467694
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a thin film of water to a solar energy impacted surface, especially a building, while frequently testing itself for leaks or breaks in the piping system, testing for failure of one or more valves, or malfunction of the control system. By measuring the rate of evaporation, and the level of absorption of fluid by the surface, the apparatus applies fluid at appropriate times to achieve nearly 100% evaporation, thereby maximizing its cooling effects. While maintaining a narrow temperature excursion from one water cycle to the next, the system provides alternating wet and dry conditions on the roof, discouraging biological growth. The apparatus includes a master control valve capable of preventing all water sources from providing water in the event of any component or system failure. By so doing, any failure is “fail-safe”, rather than “fail-catastrophic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: George A. Jerome
  • Patent number: 6460564
    Abstract: A rotary-plug shut-off valve (10) of the type having a valve chamber (20) with multiple inlets includes: an actuator chamber (26); a base member (36) forming (a) an end of the actuator chamber (26) and (b) a guide (44); a vacuum-reactive member (48) movable with respect to the base member (36); a spring (54) in axial compression and rotational tension between the base member (36) and the vacuum-reactive member (48) and compressible by vacuum force on the vacuum-reactive member (48); and a piston (60) affixed to the vacuum-reactive member (48) and slidable 1) with respect to the rotary plug (22) and 2) with respect to the base member guide (44), to achieve automatic shut-off when vacuum pressures in protected line are too intense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Inventors: Dieter J. Rief, Hans Schlitzer
  • Publication number: 20020088491
    Abstract: A fluid leakage monitoring system that uses a main flowmeter attached to a main water pipe to measure a flow rate in the main pipe, and secondary flowmeters attached to branch pipes on the downstream side of the main pipe to measure flow rates in each of the branch pipes. The difference between the main pipe flow rate and the branch pipe flow rates is used to determine a fluid leakage flow rate. If the fluid leakage flow rate exceeds a predetermined first flow rate, a shut-off valve on the main pipe is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Gennai Yanagisawa, Kenichi Kusada
  • Patent number: 6186167
    Abstract: An emergency shutdown system for a process control system includes an emergency shutdown (ESD) valve and an associated valve actuator. An emergency shutdown (ESD) controller provides output signals to the ESD valve in the event of a failure in the process control system. A solenoid valve responds to the ESD controller to vent the actuator to a fail state. A digital valve controller (DVC) test strokes the ESD valve. An impedance booster device enables the dc powering of the solenoid valve and the DVC over a two wire line while still permitting digital communication over the same two wire line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce F. Grumstrup, Stephen G. Seberger
  • Patent number: 6103079
    Abstract: An anti-microleakage apparatus is used in a sputtering deposition equipment. A metallic object, such as a wafer, is put in a process chamber. A cryo-pump is used to vacuumed the process chamber. A heater to heat up the process chamber to allow a thermal reaction. The heater is movable and is coupled to an inner bellows line, which allows a low pressure gas can be flushed into the process chamber. The anti-microleakage apparatus is formed on the inner bellows line by wrapping the inner bellows line with an outer bellows line. A higher pressure is created between the inner bellows line and the outer bellow line by filling in a gas. A pressure meter is coupled to the outer bellows line so as to monitor the actual pressure of the higher pressure. When microleakage occurs, the information cab obtained by the pressure meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: United Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventor: Ching-I Kuo
  • Patent number: RE49025
    Abstract: A side shift limiting attachment for a material handing vehicle alerts the vehicles operator and restricts side shifting, lifting, tilting and/or rotation of the attachment when the side shift displacement is approaching or has reached a limit for a lift height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Cascade Corporation
    Inventors: Andrea Dal Dosso, Pat S. McKernan, D. Clark Jordan, Gregory A. Nagle, David W. Petronek