Excessive Flow Cut-off Patents (Class 137/460)
  • Patent number: 8910655
    Abstract: Disclosed therein is a gas valve having automatically blocking means, which is mounted at an inlet side of a valve body having a ball valve so that the gas valve does not need additional blocking means for blocking a gas pipe at the time of a gas leak, and which returns a blocking member to its original position when the valve is opened after coping with the gas leak at the leaked portion, thereby making maintenance easy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Kofulso Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-il Oh
  • Patent number: 8875725
    Abstract: A connector for fluids has a pipe through which the fluid flows. The pipe has a diameter, an inlet end, an outlet end, an expanded area relative to the diameter. The connector also has an excess flow cartridge disposed in the pipe, the excess flow cartridge having a housing for receipt within the diameter, the excess flow cartridge minimizing flow in the pipe if flow exceeds a desired limit, and the excess flow cartridge having a radial opening in a side thereof in register with the expanded area such that flow through the opening flows through the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: BrassCraft Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Andrew R. Lenn, Michael M. Klein
  • Publication number: 20140261777
    Abstract: Disclosed therein is an excess flow shut off device which is operated under the same conditions by integrally modulating an opening and closing member, a support member for supporting the opening and a blocking member for blocking a passage by the opening and closing member. The excess flow shut off device is easy in quality management and allows an easy manufacture of uniform products operating under the same conditions because a support member, a spring, an opening and closing member, a joining member, and a cylindrical member are integrally joined together and modulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Seung-il OH
  • Patent number: 8776827
    Abstract: A household tap water monitor includes a water meter, an electrical control valve, a single chip micyoco, an LCD, an electrical source circuit, a photoelectric detector connected to a first input port of the SCM, a reset switch connected to a second input port of the SCM and a keyboard connected to a third input port of the SCM. The water meter and the electrical control valve are connected in series between a tap water pipe and a main tap water inlet pipe. A control port of the electrical control valve is connected to a first output port of the SCM, and the LCD is connected to a second output port of the SCM. The photoelectric detector is used for monitoring the rotation of a small impeller in the water meter. The electrical source circuit is used to supply electricity for the components mentioned above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Harda (Xiamen) Plastic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lianhua Mao
  • Patent number: 8749393
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting leakage of flowing liquids from pipes includes an upstream flow-rate sensor positioned between a source of a flowing liquid which is conducted from a source to a destination terminal such as a VAV heat exchanger, and a downstream flow-rate sensor positioned between an outlet port of the destination terminal and a return line for the flowing liquid. The apparatus includes electronic control circuitry which is responsive to a differential flow-rate between upstream and downstream measured flow rates which exceeds a predetermined limit value in removing a valve-opening signal to the upstream shut-off valve, thus closing the valve to interrupt flow of liquid through the valve if the differential flow-rate signifies a leak. Optionally, the apparatus also includes a downstream shut-off valve positioned between the destination terminal and a return line, which is also closed in response to a differential flow-rate exceeding the limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Control Air Conditioning Corporation
    Inventor: Robin Tollefson
  • Patent number: 8739825
    Abstract: A device for the protection against the rupture of pipes carrying a fluid includes two or more flow channels and a closing element which interrupts the flow of fluid if a predetermined permissible volume flow is exceeded. At least one of the flow channels can be closed by a test closure in order to increase the flow speed in the remaining flow channels and for test purposes to bring about a movement of the closing element into the closing position. In this way, devices for the protection against the rupture of pipes integrated into complex systems carrying a fluid can be tested in situ to verify their proper functioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Juergen Laude
  • Patent number: 8714191
    Abstract: A valve that is to be employed in a line through which fluid passes. The valve includes a movable valve element that is urged under the influence of gravity away from a valve seat but urged to engagement therewith if there is a failure downstream of the valve. The inlet passage is at least partly provided by a passage providing member having surfaces to engage water passing thereby, to cause the water to move angularly about a direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Premier-Fosters (Australia) Pty Limited
    Inventor: Geoffrey Frederick Foster
  • Patent number: 8701715
    Abstract: The present invention provides, in part, a valve assembly and method that maintains balance of flow to pressure in fluid and gas piping system applications. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a main body component adapted to retain a chamber body component, a fluid control plate and seal, and a chamber cap. The chamber body component is slidably maintained within the main body component. A resilient gland member is securably attachable to one end of the main body component and the chamber body component, and acts as a seal and a memory for returning the chamber body component to a standard operating position upon fluid pressure environment shifting the chamber body component towards a shut off position. In one embodiment, the chamber cap, gland member and a pressure plate member act as an end body member securable to an end of the main body component and chamber body component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Quick Fitting, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Crompton, Libardo Ochoa Dias
  • Patent number: 8671971
    Abstract: An apparatus for indicating a leak in a beverage dispensing system and sealing a leak in a beverage dispensing system includes a deactivating means including a channel, a sealing ball, a sealing element and a reset means. The sealing ball and sealing element are located within the channel. When a leak is present, the sealing ball is moved from its resting position. Once the leak reaches a predetermined level, the sealing ball is pressed against the sealing element by the force of the gas in the chamber. This seals the chamber and prevents further gas flow through the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Meier
  • Patent number: 8640729
    Abstract: An automatic shut-off valve shuts off fluid flow in the event of abnormal amounts of fluid flow. A rotor inside the valve turns when fluid flows through the valve. The rotor causes a pneumatic pump to operate and cause increased air pressure. The increased air pressure causes a shut-off piston to move to a closed position when a predetermined air pressure is achieved. The shut-off valve also includes an adjustable bleeder needle to slowly bleed off air pressure when the fluid flow stops and thereby resets the valve. A detent is provided for holding the shut-off piston in the open position. A detent spring and compression bolt are provided for adjusting force on the detent. The shut-off valve is manually closed using a trip arm connected to the detent. The shut-off piston is reset by actuating a reset plunger that moves the piston back to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Dana
  • Patent number: 8616230
    Abstract: A dual acting multi actuation gate valve is provided that includes a secondary actuation mechanism. The valve may include a body, a shaft, a movable portion disposed within the body and coupled to the shaft, wherein the movable portion is configured to allow fluid flow through the valve when in a first position and to prevent fluid flow through the valve when in a second position. The valve includes an actuator coupled to the shaft, wherein the actuator is configured to move the movable portion between the first position and the second position, a mechanical connection between the actuator and the shaft, wherein the mechanical connection is configured to fail in response to an internal pressure, wherein the failure of the mechanical connection maintains the movable portion in the second position. A method of operation and testing the valve are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: David Studer
  • Patent number: 8534314
    Abstract: Disclosed is an explosion protection valve comprising a closing member (4) which is movable inside a housing (2), is guided along a guide bar (3), and can be displaced in a moving direction from a predefined open position into a sealing closed position in case of a shock wave or suction wave. The explosion protection valve further comprises a spring arrangement that is effectively connected to the closing member (4) in order to maintain the open position on the guide bar (3). Said spring arrangement is provided with a first spring element (5, 5?) and a second spring element (6, 6?) in relation to the respective moving direction. The spring elements are disposed such that the second spring element (6, 6?) can be impinged upon only following a predetermined spring travel (a) when the closing member (4) is displaced into the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Rico-Sicherheitstechnik AG
    Inventor: Jurg Zellweger
  • Patent number: 8353310
    Abstract: Internal valve apparatus are described. An example internal valve includes a body having a valve seat disposed between an inlet and an outlet. A flow control member operatively coupled to the body moves between a first position in which the flow control member engages the valve seat to restrict the flow of fluid through the valve and a second position in which the flow control member is spaced from the valve seat to allow the flow of fluid through the valve. The example internal valve further includes a removable actuation member disposed within the body and responsive to a fluid pressure to cause the flow control member to move between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Chun Lin, Tung Kim Nguyen, Roy Ronald Pelfrey
  • Patent number: 8327872
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for connecting an external water feed line to an internal water line of a laundry care household appliance. The apparatus has a housing in which one end of an external water feed line is arranged and a safety valve for shutting off or opening a water line which is inside the housing. The housing has an opening for discharging leakage water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Edwin Bolduan, Andre Sabalat
  • Patent number: 8262057
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating a device such as a self-closing internal valve is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing assembly having an internal chamber, a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and an actuator stem extending from the housing assembly. The actuator stem is moveable in response to the addition or removal of a fluid into or out of the internal chamber. To control the flow rate of a fluid into and out of the internal chamber, the apparatus includes a fluid control valve in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the housing assembly, wherein the fluid control valve is adapted to restrict the rate of fluid flow into the internal chamber of the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Chun Lin, Yin Zhuang, Lu Cang, Fan Jian Jun
  • Patent number: 8251082
    Abstract: A dual valve assembly for limiting flow into a toilet tank comprises a fill valve, such as a float valve or ball cock valve, and a piston valve positioned between a water supply line and the fill valve. The piston valve operates independently of the fill valve, and is designed to shut off water flow after an approximate flow volume or time. The dual valve assembly may be provided in a single housing replacement part. The dual valve assembly may be provided as an adapter kit comprising a housing and piston valve which is installed in a toilet tank to accept a fill valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventors: Rodger Lynn Ross, Donna H Ross
  • Patent number: 8225812
    Abstract: A safety device for a gas distribution system includes a valve body, an upper casing attached to the valve body, the upper casing housing two springs. The two springs are co-axially located and separated by a casting tube. Further, the two springs are attached to a movable diaphragm that is exposed to gas system pressure. A snap ring flange is also attached to the valve body, the snap ring flange being used to secure the safety device to a main regulator in the gas distribution system. The valve body also includes a cam mounted within the valve body. A limit switch is directly connected to the cam such that the limit switch moves directly in response to movement of the diaphragm. Additionally, a reset pin extends from the valve body and interacts with the cam such that the cam may be reset from a closed position to an open position by moving the reset pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Claude Faillat, Arnaud Bourgeois, Guillaume Fournel
  • Patent number: 8166998
    Abstract: A valve assembly for reducing water loss from a leak from a water device. The valve assembly includes a first passage through which water flows from a water source to the water device and a second passage through which water flows from the water device. A first valve is in fluid communication with the first passage and the second passage. The first valve is operable for obstructing the first passage in response to a change in pressure differential between water in the first passage and water in the second passage resulting from a leak of water from the water device. The valve assembly also includes a second valve in fluid communication with the first passage. The second valve is responsive to the obstruction of the first passage to close the first passage and thereby stop water from flowing from the water source to the water device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Pollectric International Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Peter Clappison
  • Patent number: 8166996
    Abstract: A system and method for conditionally interfering with the operation of a conventional toilet tank fill valve prevents toilet overflow and conserves water. A single self-contained apparatus, located completely within the toilet tank, detects and prevents a toilet overflow and/or conserves water by conditionally interfering with or overriding the normal operation of a toilet tank fill valve to prevent a further flush. Exemplary illustrative non-limiting steps include removing the toilet tank lid to provide access to said toilet tank fill valve within the tank, manually snapping an assembly onto said fill valve protective cap, and automatically and conditionally actuating said assembly to cause the assembly to selectively interfere with or override the operation of said toilet tank fill valve. An exemplary illustrative non-limiting device comprises an attaching structure for manual attachment to said fill valve cap, and a control mechanism supported by said attaching structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: nth Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Eric L. Canfield, Scott Soma, James Canfield
  • Patent number: 8113232
    Abstract: A water flow control system for regulating water traveling through an existing water supply line preferably includes a housing connected to an existing water line. A user interface may be coupled thereto and remotely attached. A mechanism may automatically prevent water from flowing through the housing upon detection of a triggering event. A controller may be situated within the housing along with motion sensors. A rotatable fan may be situated within the housing along with a plurality of tracks, triggers, and resilient spring members anchored to the triggers and tracks respectively. The rotation speed of the fan may be commensurate with the real-time water flow rate of the water flowing through the housing. A control logic algorithm operates to close a restrictor valve if the water flow rate exceeds limits set by the user interface. A manually-actuated lever may also be attached to open or close the restrictor valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Eric Tallman
  • 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: 8047224
    Abstract: The present invention is for a cartridge insert valve to limit excess flow through a pipe which is part of a piping system. The cartridge insert valve includes a cylindrical housing and an inlet cap with an inlet opening defined therein. The inlet cap is positioned on a cylindrical housing first end. The cartridge insert valve also includes a seat cap with an orifice defined therein. The seat cap is positioned on a cylindrical housing second end opposite the cylindrical housing first end. The cartridge insert valve is located in the pipe such that a fluid flowing through the pipe normally enters the inlet cap, flows through the cylindrical housing and exits the seat cap. The cartridge insert valve also includes a piston assembly that shuts off flow through the valve in response to an excess flow through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Donald Gary Eichler
  • Patent number: 8020582
    Abstract: An excess flow valve having a housing, a valve seat, a poppet and an adjusting ring. The adjusting ring lies within a bore in the housing and there is an opening through the housing permitting access to the adjustment ring from outside the bore of the housing. Rotation of the adjusting ring controls the maximum travel distance between the poppet and the valve seat. In an embodiment a travelling valve guide is rotatably mounted within the adjustment ring to change the maximum travel distance between the poppet and the valve seat. A spring may bias the poppet and the valve seat away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Plainsman Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Lea-Wilson, Dan Brian F. Fajayan
  • Patent number: 7987870
    Abstract: The invention relates to a protection device which defines a through hole (21) for the passage of a fluid which may be under overpressure conditions. In addition, the inventive device comprises: a stop plug (26) which can move between an open position and a position in which a first section of the hole (21) is sealed; a stop valve (28) which can move between an open position and a position in which a second section of the hole (21) is sealed; and means (22, 23, 27) for triggering both the movement of the stop plug (26) and the movement of the valve (28) from the open position to the sealing position in response to an overpressure (P2) in the hole (21). The invention is particularly suitable for self-contained equipment used to supply electrical power by means of a fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Alain-Christophe Tigerghien, Andre Charles Pavan
  • Patent number: 7900647
    Abstract: Water leak detection and prevention systems and methods in which water is only delivered to the water pipes in the building when a faucet or appliance demands water and water is delivered through a normally closed shut off water valve. During the period that the main water is shut off, the water pressure in the water pipes is continuously monitored to detect a water leak in the building. Detection of a leak causes an alarm to be sounded and a continued closure of the shut off valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Paul G Tornay
  • Patent number: 7845369
    Abstract: A volumetric metering smart valve shuts down automatically when a certain amount of liquid has passed through the valve. This valve has a water wheel which is rotated by the liquid and which drives a disc via a gear train. If the flowing amount exceeds a preset limit, the disc operates a ratchet and spring acting on a column in a closing direction to shut down the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Mohamed Radwan Rafaat Atassi
  • Publication number: 20100258204
    Abstract: A device for detecting leaks of fluids includes means for metering flow of a fluid towards a premises, shut-off means for the fluid, operable between a delivery configuration of the fluid and a closed configuration to allow/prevent its transit towards the premises, and a management and control unit, able to act in conjunction with the metering means of the flow and to send a signal to the shut-off means to switch from the delivery to the closed configuration. The management and control unit comprises enabling means, able to allow or prevent the signal to be sent to the shut-off means. The device comprises, in addition, means for detecting the presence of a user in the premises, operatively connected to the enabling means in such a way that these allow the signal to be sent to the switch if the presence detector means detect the absence of the user in the premises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: Enolgas Bonomi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Cipolla
  • Publication number: 20100258747
    Abstract: A device is described herein which may comprise a chamber, a fluid line, a pressurized source material in the fluid line, a component restricting flow of the source material into the chamber, a sensor measuring flow of a fluid in the fluid line and providing a signal indicative thereof, and a pressure relief valve responsive to a signal to reduce a leak of source material into the chamber in the event of a failure of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: CYMER, INC.
    Inventors: Georgiy O. Vaschenko, Krishna Ramadurai
  • Patent number: 7806132
    Abstract: A method and device is provided for tapping an existing primary pipeline (e.g., a water supply line) without cutting the existing primary pipeline. A secondary supply line may be installed by coupling the device to a valve of the existing pipeline. In various implementations, the device may have a single port serving as both an input (i.e., an inlet) and an output (i.e., an outlet). Among other advantages, the invention may be used to avoid costly procedures of cutting supply lines, to prevent water spillage, to integrate with existing alarm and home improvement systems, and to communicate wirelessly with utility companies for billing purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Tippmann Sports, LLC
    Inventor: Theodore G. Paraskevakos
  • Patent number: 7779852
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Castlebridge Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger A. Burlage, Brian J. Burlage
  • Publication number: 20100193048
    Abstract: Improvements in an Overflow Shutoff Valve (OSV) that is designed to automatically shutoff water flow when water flows above a rated amount. It is a self-cleaning design with automatic resetting function. The valve consists of an outer body with an inlet and outlet port with an internally installed rubber Venturi tube assembly, fixed flange, moving flange, coil spring and surge flow suppressing orifice. The lower pressure causes the rubber tube to be squeezed by the water pressure, and then automatically shuts off the valve. When the supply water pressure drops below 5 psi the Overflow Shutoff Valve automatically resets and opens to normal position. A flow suppressor orifice prevents any surge flow or start up flow which could cause premature shutoff of the valve. The Overflow shutoff valve can be installed in-line or in a Y body shutoff valve for easy service.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: EDWARD S. CHANG
  • Patent number: 7757708
    Abstract: A system and method for conditionally interfering with the operation of a conventional toilet tank fill valve prevents toilet overflow and conserves water. A controller connected to a water level sensor detects abnormal toilet tank water level over time and conditionally interferes with the normal operation of a toilet tank fill valve assembly, thereby preventing a further flush. The overflow and water conservation feature can be designed into a fill valve at time of manufacture and/or added later by a plumber or end user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: nth Solutions
    Inventors: Eric L. Canfield, Scott Soma, James Canfield
  • Patent number: 7743786
    Abstract: An irrigation system having at least one water distribution member, a water supply source and a horizontally oriented, shut-off control device located in a fluid flow line between a water supply source and the at least one water distribution member for automatically shutting off the flow of supply water to the at least one water distribution member in response to a predetermined increase in force of fluid flow. The shut-off control device has a housing with an interior flow path having rails and projections dimensioned to support a compressible ball which moves within the housing and limits side-to-side motion or turbulence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventors: Carol E. Madama, Edward James Magi
  • Patent number: 7658179
    Abstract: A fluid leak limiter for a high-pressure fuel injection system is disclosed. The fluid leak limiter may have a body at least partially defining a central bore with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and a sleeve piston. The fluid leak limiter may also have a spring located to bias the sleeve piston toward a first flow-blocking position. The sleeve piston may be movable by a first pressure differential between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet against the bias of the spring toward a flow-passing position at which fluid from the fluid inlet is allowed to flow to the fluid outlet. The sleeve piston may also be movable by a second pressure differential between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet against the bias of the spring toward a second flow-blocking position at which fluid from the fluid inlet is inhibited from flowing to the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Allyn P. Bock, Aaron Conrad Luft, Benjamin Ray Tower
  • Patent number: 7591282
    Abstract: The valve comprises a housing defining a flow passage, an outer cylindrical wall, an inner cylindrical wall, and a valve seat. An annular cavity is formed between the outer cylindrical wall and the inner cylindrical wall. A valve member is slidably mounted within the housing. The valve member includes an annular skirt section extending in the downstream direction. A downstream-facing portion of the valve member comprises a sealing portion configured to selectively engage the valve seat. The valve member is movable between an upstream no flow position, a downstream shutoff position, and a normal flow position intermediate the no flow position and the shutoff position. A biasing element is disposed between the housing and the valve member so as to bias the valve member away from the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Kermit L. Achterman & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Kermit L. Achterman
  • Patent number: 7552743
    Abstract: A flow shut off valve for residential water line pressure includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet and a passage there between with a valve seat in the passage. A valve element is slidably mounted within the passage and includes a cavity open to the inlet and orifices partially restricting flow from the cavity to the passage. A spring biases the valve element toward the inlet. Reduced back pressure at the outlet drives the valve element into a closed position with a sealing surface against the valve seat to terminate flow. The restrictive orifices in the valve element extend from the cavity to the periphery of the valve element and, in a position toward the inlet, the restrictive orifices are closed by the housing to block communication between the inlet and the outlet. In an intermediate position, the orifices are open and the sealing surface is not against the valve seat. A motion damper may be employed to allow for start-up conditions on sprinkler systems and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Kermit L. Achterman & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Kermit L. Achterman
  • Patent number: 7533689
    Abstract: A poppet mounted concentrically on a barrel for axial travel downstream relative thereto from an open to closed position, the poppet biased by a coil sprint to its open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: R.W. Lyall Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Harlan Goble
  • Publication number: 20090107563
    Abstract: The present invention is for a safety valve having a modified orifice in a piston. The orifice is positioned on an outer radial periphery of the piston. The orifice is a void which has only a partial circumferential boundary. With this design for a piston and orifices the piston may be formed in a mold in a single manufacturing operation. For other designs for a piston having orifices with a complete circumferential boundary, the piston is formed in one operation and the orifice defined in another operation, such as by drilling into the piston to form the orifice. Thus, by positioning the orifice on the outer radial periphery of the piston, the efficiency of the overall safety valve manufacturing process may be improved and the cost of the safety valve may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Donald Gary Eichler
  • Patent number: 7451777
    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 sensing device detects 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 manually set value, the valve closes the pathway, stopping the flow of water through the valve assembly. Preferably, the valve assembly indicates whether the valve is in an open or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Castlebridge Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger A. Burlage, Brian J. Burlage
  • Publication number: 20080257420
    Abstract: A safety device for a gas distribution system includes a valve body, an upper casing attached to the valve body, the upper casing housing two springs. The two springs are co-axially located and separated by a casting tube. Further, the two springs are attached to a movable diaphragm that is exposed to gas system pressure. A snap ring flange is also attached to the valve body, the snap ring flange being used to secure the safety device to a main regulator in the gas distribution system. The valve body also includes a cam mounted within the valve body. A limit switch is directly connected to the cam such that the limit switch moves directly in response to movement of the diaphragm. Additionally, a reset pin extends from the valve body and interacts with the cam such that the cam may be reset from a closed position to an open position by moving the reset pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Claude Faillat, Arnaud Bourgeois, Guillaume Fournel
  • Publication number: 20080185047
    Abstract: The present invention is for a cartridge insert valve to limit excess flow through a pipe which is part of a piping system. The cartridge insert valve includes a cylindrical housing and an inlet cap with an inlet opening defined therein. The inlet cap is positioned on a cylindrical housing first end. The cartridge inset valve also includes a seat cap with an orifice defined therein. The seat cap is positioned on a cylindrical housing second end opposite the cylindrical housing first end. The cartridge insert valve is located in the pipe such that a fluid flowing through the pipe normally enters the inlet cap, flows through the cylindrical housing and exits the seat cap. The cartridge insert valve also includes a piston assembly that shuts off flow through the valve in response to an excess flow through the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Donald Gary Eichler
  • 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: 20080178946
    Abstract: An excess flow valve having a housing, a valve seat, a poppet and an adjusting ring. The adjusting ring lies within a bore in the housing and there is an opening through the housing permitting access to the adjustment ring from outside the bore of the housing. Rotation of the adjusting ring controls the maximum travel distance between the poppet and the valve seat. In an embodiment a travelling valve guide is rotatably mounted within the adjustment ring to change the maximum travel distance between the poppet and the valve seat. A spring may bias the poppet and the valve seat away from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: PLAINSMAN MANUFACTURING INC.
    Inventors: Mark A. Lea-Wilson, Dan Brian F. Fajayan
  • Patent number: 7398795
    Abstract: An excess flow valve includes: a valve that opens and closes a flow path; a solenoid that keeps the valve in an opened state; a pressure detector detecting the primary-side pressure of the valve; and a controller controlling current flow to the solenoid based on pressure detected by the pressure detector so that the valve is closed when the flow rate supplied to the valve is at or more than a predetermined amount. The excess flow valve can be used in a wide variety of applications and prevents a flow of fluid at or greater than a desired flow rate even if the primary-side supply pressure varies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroaki Suzuki, Toshihiko Shima, Yoshiyuki Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 7380567
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes an excess flow shut-off mechanism for controlling flow between an inlet and an outlet of the assembly. The excess flow shut-off mechanism is adapted to automatically stop fluid flow through the valve assembly when the flow exceeds a specified flow rate. The excess flow shut-off mechanism prevents flow when it's set and allows flow when it's reset. The valve assembly also includes a reset mechanism for setting and resetting the excess flow shut-off mechanism independently of the flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Watts Sea Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig Schmitt
  • Patent number: 7380565
    Abstract: The present invention is for a spill prevention system to prevent fuel spills from a connecting line connecting duel fuel tanks on a truck when the connecting line is severed or detached from one of the reducer fittings to which it is attached. The connecting line provides pressure communication between the fuel tanks so that fuel flows from one tank to the other whenever there is an unequal pressure acting on the fuel, which occurs whenever one tank has more fuel in it than the other. The connecting line connects to the reducer fitting located on each fuel tank. A safety valve is immersed in the fuel in each tank and connected to the reducer fittings. Each safety valve is configured to shut off flow to the connecting line when the connecting line is severed or detached from the one of the reducer fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Donlad Gary Eichler
  • Patent number: 7360555
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas regulator which is intended to be mounted on a gas delivery pipe connecting a gas source to a user device. The inventive regulator comprises a pressure regulation mechanism which is controlled by the movement of a mobile element. The invention is characterised in that it comprises a casing housing at least one adjustable prestressed actuator which acts on the aforementioned mobile element and which can be used to take account of the altimetric pressure variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignees: Clesse Industries, Compagnie des Gaz de Petrole Primagaz
    Inventors: Pascal Bruhat, Daniel Bouvier
  • Patent number: 7343927
    Abstract: A closing body (3) which is mounted in a housing (2) in such a way that it can be axially displaced and can be pressed out of an opening position against a valve seat (4) into a closing position. The closing body (3) is rotationally symmetrical and includes, on its outer diameter (D1) in relation to its cross-section, two outer wall sections (5, 5?) which meet at an angle of less than 180°. In this way, a surrounding interference edge (26) is formed, favouring turbulence in the flow and thus a rapid increase in the dynamic pressure. When the closing body is embodied as a hollow body, a spring action also occurs, damping the closing movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Rico Sicherheistechnik AG
    Inventor: Juerg Zellweger
  • Patent number: 7326186
    Abstract: An injector system includes a source of injection fluid, a pump device, a fluid path set disposed between the source of injection fluid and the pump device, and a fluid control device operatively associated with the fluid path set. The fluid control device is adapted to permit purging of air from the fluid path set and to stop flow of the injection fluid to a patient at substantially any pressure or flow rate generated by the pump device for delivering a sharp bolus of the injection fluid to the patient. The fluid control device is preferably part of the fluid path set between the source of injection fluid and the pump device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Medrad, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick W. Trombley, III, Robert M. Schmidt, David M. Reilly, Alan D. Hirschman, David M. Griffiths, Gerald W. Callan, Luis A. Pedraza, Jennie Kwo, Christopher T. Zirps, Roderick H. Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 7306008
    Abstract: Water leak detection and prevention systems and methods in which water is only delivered to the water pipes in the building when a faucet or appliance demands water and water is delivered through a normally closed shut off water valve. During the period that the main water is shut off, the water pressure in the water pipes is continuously monitored to detect a water leak in the building. Detection of a leak causes an alarm to be sounded and a continued closure of the shut off valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Paul G. Tornay