Electrically Actuated Valve Patents (Class 137/487.5)
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Patent number: 9939346Abstract: A method of monitoring liquid flow includes monitoring liquid flow including the pressure of the liquid, through a slave analyzer device, reporting the monitoring results to a processor configured to control a master analyzer device to adjust the liquid flow and pressure. Periods of usage and periods of non-usage of the liquid are detected by the processor. Subsequently, based on the detected periods of usage and periods of non-usage are used for learning a pattern associated and based upon the learned pattern, the liquid flow is automatically controlled by stopping the liquid flow during expected non-usage periods of time and turning the liquid flow on during expected usage periods of time.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: WATERSOURCE TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Owen Jerez
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Patent number: 9934956Abstract: A gas delivery system delivers different process gas compositions to a common supply line at specified times. Multiple reservoirs are fluidly connected to the common supply line with each reservoir having its own charge control valve for controlling connection of the reservoir to the common supply line. Each of the multiple reservoirs has a corresponding mass flow controller and delivery control valve connected to control flow of process gas from within the reservoir to a process module at specified times. The common supply line is operated to fill the multiple reservoirs with different process gas compositions in a time-divided manner. The mass flow controllers and delivery control valves of the multiple reservoirs are operated to deliver one or more process gas compositions to the process module in an accurately timed manner in accordance with a prescribed schedule. The multiple reservoirs are filled as needed to satisfy the prescribed schedule.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Lam Research CorporationInventor: John Drewery
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Patent number: 9933789Abstract: The measured operation time of a setting/operating device is corrected using a first corrected value table and a second corrected value table and the size of the setting/operating device is defined based on the corrected operation time. The first corrected value table defines, as a first corrected value, the corrected value corresponding to the operation time region defined so as to correspond to the size of the setting/operating device and the sliding resistance region defined by dividing the range taken by the sliding resistance (friction) of the valve stem of a regulating valve and the second corrected value table defines, as a second corrected value, the corrected value corresponding to the operation time region defined so as to correspond to the size of the setting/operating device and the supply air pressure region defined by dividing the range taken by a supply air pressure.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Azbil CorporationInventor: Kazuhisa Inoue
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Patent number: 9933080Abstract: A multi-bend control circuit for fluid communication with an outlet port of a valve includes a first circuit leg extending in a first direction and a second circuit leg extending at an angle from the first circuit leg in a second direction. A third circuit leg extends at an angle from the second circuit leg in a third direction different from the second direction. A sense line tap is in fluid communication with at least one of the first, second or third legs.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Aaron F. Rickis, Gary R. Marconi
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Patent number: 9915375Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to monitor health information of a valve are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a parameter calculator to calculate an operational value for a health parameter of a valve, a difference calculator to calculate a difference between the operational value for the health parameter and a baseline value for the health parameter, and an alert generator to generate an alert to identify a condition of the valve based on the difference.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventor: Shawn William Anderson
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Patent number: 9913547Abstract: An airbed system, connectable to an air mattress chamber of an air mattress, includes: a pressure sensor, configured to obtain pressure measurements corresponding to the air mattress chamber; and a control unit, configured to operate a pump and valves of the airbed system to inflate and deflate the air mattress chamber, and to determine first and second constants corresponding to inflation of the air mattress chamber and third and fourth constants corresponding to deflation of the air mattress chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2014Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: American National Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: David Delory Driscoll, Jr., James A. Rodrian, Susan Marie Hrobar, John Joseph Riley
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Patent number: 9892982Abstract: Embodiments of mechanisms for processing a wafer are provided. A method for processing a wafer includes placing the wafer into a processing assembly and heating the wafer. The method also includes producing an exhaust flow from the processing assembly via a fluid-conduit assembly. The method further includes detecting an exhaust pressure of the exhaust flow in the fluid-conduit assembly and producing a first signal and a second signal corresponding to the exhaust pressure. In addition, the method includes regulating the exhaust flow in response to the first signal and controlling the processing assembly in response to the second signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2014Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTDInventors: Kuo-Shu Tseng, Chien-Hua Chen, You-Feng Chen, Yen-Yu Chen, Zhong-Yi Chen, Yung-Haw Liaw
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Patent number: 9893770Abstract: A base station for gathering data from localized sensors is described. An example apparatus includes a sensor to be operatively coupled to field equipment, the sensor having a radio frequency transmitter to send a signal to a base station, the base station having a radio frequency interface to receive the signal from the sensor and a first controller to collect data from the signal and store the data in a memory. The apparatus further includes a second controller operatively coupled to the first controller to relay the data to an asset management system and a local control panel operatively coupled to the base station to send additional data to the base station, wherein the first controller stores the additional data in the memory.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLCInventors: Kenneth William Junk, Annette Lynn Latwesen
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Patent number: 9863980Abstract: The present invention relates to a field device for determining a process variable and providing a measurement signal indicative of the process variable to a remote location via a two-wire current loop. The field device comprises a measurement device for determining the process variable; a current control device electrically connected in series with the measurement device and controllable by the measurement device to provide the measurement signal to the two-wire current loop; and voltage regulation circuitry electrically connected in series with the current control device and the measurement device for controlling a voltage across the current control device towards a desired voltage by varying a voltage across the voltage regulation circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Rosemount Tank Radar ABInventor: Hakan Nyberg
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Patent number: 9857803Abstract: In some embodiments, a water conservation system may include a main conduit which may be in fluid communication with a bypass conduit via a bypass inlet and a bypass outlet. An inlet isolation valve, a flow control valve, and an outlet isolation valve may be coupled in series on the main conduit. A pressure sensor may be coupled to the main conduit before the bypass conduit inlet and a flow meter may be coupled to the main conduit after the bypass conduit outlet. A processing unit may be in communication with an ambient temperature sensor and also in communication with the flow control valve, the pressure sensor, and the flow meter. The processing unit may operate the flow control valve to provide an unlimited range of programmable rates of water flows that can be achieved automatically and remotely for optimal supply in the facility in which the system is installed.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2017Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Inventors: Daniel Abuda, Karl Dahlgren, Ken Varma
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Patent number: 9851014Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus that provide functions to set and to verify the set point of a valve assembly in a single device. These embodiments forgo the need to use of two separate devices, one each to accomplish the tasks to set the set point and to verify the set point. Rather, the apparatus incorporates components that can assume different configurations including a first configuration that facilitates the task for setting the set point and a second configuration that facilitates the task of verifying the set point.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2016Date of Patent: December 26, 2017Assignee: Dresser, Inc.Inventor: Mychal Phillip Spencer
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Patent number: 9841770Abstract: The pressure-type flow control device includes: a main body provided with a fluid channel communicating between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and an exhaust channel communicating between the fluid channel and an exhaust outlet; a pressure control valve fixed to a fluid inlet side of the main body for opening or closing the upstream side of the fluid channel; a first pressure sensor for detecting the internal pressure of the fluid channel on the downstream side of the control valve; an orifice provided in the fluid channel on the downstream side of the point of branching of the exhaust channel; an on/off valve for opening or closing the fluid channel on the downstream side of the first pressure sensor; and an exhaust valve for opening or closing the exhaust channel.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2015Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATEDInventors: Kaoru Hirata, Nobukazu Ikeda, Kouji Nishino, Ryousuke Dohi, Katsuyuki Sugita, Masaaki Nagase
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Patent number: 9817382Abstract: A method of collecting data in a field device includes receiving indications of variables for which data is collected, receiving indications of trigger events to trigger collection of data, receiving threshold values associated with each of the trigger events, monitoring the trigger events, and initiating data collection when at least one of the trigger events crosses one the threshold values associated with the corresponding trigger event. A method of tuning a PID controller in a field device includes setting a limited range for selecting a value for a control parameter of the PID controller, selecting the value of the control parameter, wherein the selected value is constrained to be within the limited range, transmitting the selected value to the field device, obtaining, from the field device, a measurement of a response of the field device to a setpoint change, and displaying the obtained response measurements to a user.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2014Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: TESCOM CORPORATIONInventors: Linda R. Tharaldson, Gordon C. Muir, Jeffrey A. Wakefield
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Patent number: 9816894Abstract: A gas monitoring system for continuously detecting leakage of at least one gas and being operable in an extreme climate condition, the system involving a processor; at least one emergency shutdown valve responsive to a set of instructions from the processor; and a user interface in communication with the processor. The system further involves a weather-proof enclosure for housing system components. The weather-proof enclosure is adapted to operate at a temperature range of ambient temperature to a below-freezing temperature, wherein the at least one emergency shutdown valve comprises at least one latch valve.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2014Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Inventors: Loren Wilcox, Matt Murdock
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Patent number: 9804609Abstract: An MFC includes: a proportional valve; a mass flow sensor; a first flow line connecting from an outlet of the proportional valve through the mass flow sensor to an exit line; a second flow line joining the first flow line at a first junction located upstream of the mass flow sensor and at a second junction located downstream of the mass flow sensor; a switching valve placed such that the switching valve can regulate a flow of a gas through the first flow line or the second flow line; and a control device connected to provide a feedback control loop for regulating the proportional valve based on signals measured by the mass flow sensor, wherein the control device includes a program for keeping a rate of a flow exiting the exit line substantially constant when the flow is through the second flow line.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2012Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Xiao-Sheng Guan, Robert C. Henderson
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Patent number: 9791172Abstract: The embodiments of the present application disclose a dual sensor combustion system. The dual sensor combustion system comprises: a combustor; a stepless speed regulating fan that supplies air for the combustor; a fuel gas conduit that is in communication with the combustor; a proportional valve provided on the fuel gas conduit; a control unit electrically connected to the stepless speed regulating fan and the proportional valve; a first pressure sensor assembly that detects a first pressure signal of the gas flow passage; a second pressure sensor assembly that detects a second pressure signal of the fuel gas conduit; a storage that stores a correspondence relationship between a first target pressure signal of the gas flow passage and a second target pressure signal of the fuel gas conduit; and the control unit controlling at least one of the stepless speed regulating fan and the proportional valve based on the first pressure signal, the second pressure signal and the correspondence relationship.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2015Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: A. O. Smith CorporationInventors: Wei Wang, Dayan Bi
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Patent number: 9791867Abstract: A flow control device equipped with flow monitor includes a build-down type flow monitor unit provided on an upstream side, a flow control unit provided on a downstream side of the build-down type flow monitor unit, a signal transmission circuit connecting the build-down type flow monitor unit and the flow control unit and transmitting a monitored flow rate of the build-down type flow monitor unit to the flow control unit, and a set flow rate value adjustment mechanism being provided in the flow control unit and adjusting a set flow rate of the flow control unit based on the monitored flow rate from the build-down type flow monitor unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATEDInventors: Masaaki Nagase, Atsushi Hidaka, Kouji Nishino, Nobukazu Ikeda
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Patent number: 9783170Abstract: The vehicle control apparatus gives a control current to the electromagnetic control valve at a start of energization of the electromagnetic control valve as a start current value smaller by a first determined amount than an open/closed state change-over reference current value which is necessary for changing over a state of the electromagnetic valve and after the start of energization of the electromagnetic control valve, the control current gradually increases with a smaller increase inclination than an increase inclination of an increase control of the control current which gives priority to a control responsibility of the electromagnetic control valve and finishes a gradual increase of the control current applying to the electromagnetic control valve, when the control current exceeds a finish current value which is larger than the open/closed state change-over reference current value.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignees: ADVICS CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masaki Ninoyu, Takahiro Okano, Daisuke Nakata, Yuusuke Kamiya, Masaaki Komazawa
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Patent number: 9759116Abstract: A method for detecting an opening time of a valve, includes receiving a valve current profile of the valve and processing the valve current profile using at least a slope reflection detector to determine a status of the valve based on an output of the slope reflection detector.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Ninsheng Qiao, Donald Peter Kultgen, Marvin Lester Lynch
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Patent number: 9752386Abstract: A steerable system comprises a fluid powered motor 10 having a rotor 16 and a stator 18, and a bias arrangement having a plurality of bias pads 34 connected to the stator 18 so as to be rotatable therewith, the bias pads 34 being moveable to allow the application of a side load to the steerable system.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2014Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: Geoffrey C. Downton
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Patent number: 9744256Abstract: Nebulizer systems to generate a mist of micro-droplets of a liquid for the purpose of freshening the atmosphere. Nebulizer systems having a small size that can be mounted on a sales stall to humidify and freshen fresh products displayed for sale, or in a vehicle to humidify and freshen the air and make it pleasant to breathe.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2014Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Areco Finances et Technologie-ArfitecInventors: Michel Gschwind, Frédéric Richard, Abbas Sabraoui
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Patent number: 9733648Abstract: An automatic excess water flow saving system reduces the water loss by water outlets in houses and other water consuming installations. The system controls the water flow through an outlet by toggling the water flow rate. An actuator activates a timer which opens and closes a valve intermittently and continuously while a water outlet is open.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2013Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Inventor: Rene Frontera-Mariani
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Patent number: 9732878Abstract: An emergency shut-off valve and means for initiating a test on said emergency shut-off valve includes a source of pressurized gas, a main solenoid responsive to a signal from said means for initiating a test and a source of pressurized gas are included. Further, means including a main solenoid responsive to a signal from said means for initiating a test and a main solenoid valve and a quick exhaust valve connected to the source of pressurized gas. Further, a pneumatic actuator for opening and closing the shut-off valve and test means for testing the emergency shut-off valve without fully closing the emergency shut-off valve in response to a signal from the means for initiating a test. The test means includes a second solenoid.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2016Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Inventor: Hassan Abdullah Ahmad Alkandari
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Patent number: 9715237Abstract: The disclosure describes a method for operating a flow-control valve that includes comparing a desired flow with an actual flow through the valve and re-calibrating a valve iso-curve at periodic intervals when the actual flow falls outside of a predetermined threshold relative to the desired flow. When operating in a nested control loop based on a control parameter, a flow setpoint is selected based on the control parameter and maintained independently of pressure across the flow-control valve.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2014Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Spraying Systems Co.Inventors: Rudolf J. Schick, Fadi Alameddine
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Patent number: 9690277Abstract: The invention relates to a positioner (10) for an actuator (12) comprising a processing unit (22) and an output unit (20) which can be connected to an actuating drive (15) of an actuator (12), as well as a measurement unit (24). The invention is characterized in that said positioner (10) comprises a current source (26) which can be connected to a voltage source (30) of a control system (14) via a single two-wire current loop (28). The invention furthermore relates to a method for operating a positioner (10) including the transmission of measuring values recorded in the positioner (10) to a higher-level controller (14). The method is characterized in that the actuating signals are transmitted in a digital form whereas the measuring data is transmitted to a higher-level controller in an analog form, with both digital and analog signals being transmitted on the same two-wire line.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2012Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: SAMSON AGInventor: Thomas Karte
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Patent number: 9656306Abstract: A digitally controlled current to pressure converter (CPC) is provided. A digital CPC utilizes a digital controller and an onboard pressure transducer to accurately control the output pressure based upon an input analog control signal. The digital controller includes an anti-silting algorithm that provides an impulse movement of the three-way rotary valve of the CPC to loosen and flush away silt contamination from the valve. A redundant seal stack including an intermediate passage to the hydraulic drain ensures a low pressure drop across the outboard seal minimizing the potential for leakage and improving reliability of the CPC. The digital controller also includes redundancy and fault management algorithms that enable the use of multiple inputs and feedback signals for control of the CPC. Master/slave operation and transitioning is also provided by the digital controller.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2012Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Woodward, Inc.Inventor: Kevin E. Greeb
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Patent number: 9657545Abstract: An apparatus that includes a chemical-injection management system. The chemical-injection management system may include a tree interface configured to couple the chemical-injection management system to a tree and a positive-displacement flow meter.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2012Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Cameron International CorporationInventors: Andrew Grace, Gregory Greene, Edmund McHugh
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Patent number: 9657863Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a valve system that includes a valve having a spool moveable from an un-actuated position to an actuated position in response to actuation of the valve. The valve system also includes a wire to secure the valve in the un-actuated position, a first resistor electrically coupled with the wire and configured to release the wire to actuate the valve and move a first component coupled to the wire toward a second component, and a second resistor electrically coupled with the wire to detect connection of the first component with the second component.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2013Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventor: William Ewan Brennan, III
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Patent number: 9638081Abstract: A fluid metering unit has a housing providing a flow path from an inlet port through a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve to an outlet port. An electric circuit board for operating the solenoid valves is contained within the housing. Also contained within the housing and connected to the electric circuit board are a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor for sensing temperature and pressure in the flow path. An electric-operated temperature control element in thermally conductive contact with the housing controls temperature along at least a portion of the flow path.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2013Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventor: Oswald Baasch
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Patent number: 9625047Abstract: A flow control valve for a flow controller includes a valve main body provided with an open-top valve chamber hole, a metal diaphragm valve element, a lower support cylinder having notches facing each other, an upper support cylinder attached to the lower support cylinder, a support frame horizontally disposed through the notches of the lower support cylinder, a disc spring placed between the support frame and a bottom of the lower support cylinder, a lower cradle placed on the support frame, a piezoelectric element inserted into the support cylinder above the lower cradle, a guide fixed to the valve main body together with the support frame with the support cylinder being inserted through the guide cylinder in a vertically movable manner. The support cylinder is pressed upward by the extension of the piezoelectric element, whereby the metal diaphragm valve element is separated from the valve seat by the elastic force.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATEDInventors: Takashi Hirose, Michio Yamaji, Toshihide Yoshida, Kohei Shigyou
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Patent number: 9605985Abstract: The present invention is a flow rate measuring mechanism provided with: a body unit that has an internal flow path through which a target fluid to be measured is configured to flow; and a pressure sensor that is attached to the body unit and senses a pressure of the internal flow path, and configured to calculate a flow rate of the fluid on the basis of the fluid pressure sensed by the pressure sensor, wherein the body unit has a length direction and a surface parallel to the length direction, which is set as a component attachment surface, and to the component attachment surface, the pressure sensor is attached such that a pressure sensitive surface thereof is substantially vertical to the component attachment surface and substantially parallel to the length direction, and thereby, without causing a reduction in pressure measurement sensitivity, makes a width direction size dramatically smaller than before.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2010Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: HORIBA STEC, Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeyuki Hayashi, Akira Kuwahara
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Patent number: 9557059Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to valves, and more particularly, to gas valve assemblies. In one example, the valve assembly may include a valve body with an inlet port, an outlet port, and a fluid path extending between the inlet and outlet ports, one or more valves situated about the fluid path, one or more valve actuators for selectively moving respective valves, one or more sensors for sensing one or more parameters within the fluid path, and a controller secured relative to the valve body and in communication with the one or more sensors for determining one or more valve assembly conditions based on the one or more sensed parameters. Illustratively, the controller may be configured to communicate information from the valve assembly to a combustion appliance controller that is located remotely from the valve assembly through a communications interface of the controller and across a communications bus.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2011Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: Honeywell International IncInventors: David Kucera, Gregory Young, Tim McCarthy, Patrick Yuen
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Patent number: 9557730Abstract: Provided is a driving apparatus for driving an object. The driving apparatus includes a driving device configured to displace the object; a detector configured to detect a displacement amount of the object by the driving device; and a controller configured to control the driving device based on an output of the detector. The controller is configured to obtain a thrust characteristic of the driving device with respect to the displacement amount and to set a reference with respect to the displacement amount based on the obtained thrust characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Shinji Ueda
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Patent number: 9512829Abstract: A shape memory actuator is described. The shape memory actuator has a supporting body, a driven element slidably mounted on the supporting body for movement between a stable rest position and a stable operative position, a driving element that drives the driven element, the movement of the driving element being determined by a SMA wire and by first resilient return means acting to return the driving element to the rest position upon deactivation of the SMA wire, second resilient return means acting on the driven element in opposition to the SMA wire, engaging means suitable to achieve at the operative position a reversible engagement between the driven element and the supporting body, either directly or indirectly, said engagement being able to resist the action of second resilient return means, and a control system for the engagement and disengagement of the engaging means.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2014Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: SAES GETTERS S.P.A.Inventors: Stefano Alacqua, Francesco Butera, Matteo Mazzoni
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Patent number: 9476517Abstract: Pilot valve structures are described as including a main valve having a main flow body and having an inlet and outlet, and a diaphragm, with a perimeter, a moveable portion, and first and second sides. A main flow orifice is located in the flow body between the inlet and outlet. A main valve plug is attached to and/or disposed in the moveable portion of the diaphragm and opens and closes the flow orifice when the moveable portion of the diaphragm is in first and second positions. The pilot valve also includes a pilot valve inlet that is connected to the flow path of the main flow body. A pilot valve outlet/orifice is disposed within and co-located with the main valve plug. The pilot valve includes a pilot valve plug, which is moveable to open and close the pilot valve orifice. Related mass flow controllers with such pilot valve structures are further described.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Richard Gomes, II
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Patent number: 9471066Abstract: A mass flow controller comprises: a pressure-based flow meter, a thermal-based flow meter, a control valve, and a system controller. The pressure-based flow meter and thermal-based flow meter each measure flow rate of mass through the mass flow controller. The control valve controls the flow rate in response to a control signal generated as a function of the flow rate as measured by thermal-based flow meter when the measured flow rate is relatively low, and as a function of the flow rate as measured by the pressure-based flow meter when the flow rate is relatively high. A comparison of the flow measurements of the two flow meters can be used to (a) sense pressure disturbances at low flow rates, and (b) sense when the thermal-based flow meter is out of calibration so that a zero offset signal can be applied to the thermal-based flow meter.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2014Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Junhua Ding, Michael L'Bassi
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Patent number: 9462740Abstract: An agricultural system including a tractor and an implement powered by the tractor. The implement having a plurality of hydraulic fluid using devices, at least one transducer, and a communications device. The transducer is configured to generate a signal representative of a hydraulic load requirement of the plurality of hydraulic fluid using devices. The communications device conveying the signal to the tractor. The tractor is configured to alter a hydraulic fluid characteristic supplied to the implement dependent upon the signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2014Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLCInventor: Jonathan L. Buelow
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Patent number: 9429499Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for controlling depressurization of a vial containing a gas sample. The disclosed systems and methods are employed during sampling and/or analysis of the gas sample. One exemplary method for controlling depressurization of a vial containing a gas sample includes establishing fluid communication between a sample loop of a head space sampling device and the head space of the vial. A sample gas pressure is established within the head space of the vial. The sample loop is connected in fluid communication with a lower pressure environment through a ventilation pathway. A ventilation valve within the ventilation pathway is used to vent gas from the vial through the sample loop to the lower pressure environment at a predetermined rate. Devices and systems for depressurizing a vial containing a gas sample at a predetermined rate are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jared M Bushey, Robert C Henderson, William H Wilson
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Patent number: 9385967Abstract: Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for resource allocation in accordance with one embodiment of the present description, in which a resource allocation such as a buffer credit allocation for a port in a storage area network is initialized as a function of a measurement of a length of a communication link for the port of the storage area network. In one embodiment, the length measurement is a function of a minimum command response time of a command issued over the communication link. Other aspects of resource allocation in accordance with the present description are described.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2015Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Roger G. Hathorn, Dale F. Riedy, Harry M. Yudenfriend
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Patent number: 9365059Abstract: A motor control method performed by a controller includes monitoring a motor load of at least one of a plurality of motors including a first motor and a second motor driven by one common power source having a protection circuit, wherein the protection circuit is operated to shut down the power source in a case where a current value of the power source continues to exceed a threshold during a period Tg, and stopping motor drive in a case where the monitored motor load continues to exceed the threshold during a period Tn, which is shorter than the period Tg. In addition, monitoring of the motor load is skipped during acceleration operations of the first motor and the second motor when both the first motor and the second motor are driven, and then monitoring of the motor load is restarted.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2014Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Masaaki Matsuura, Hiroshi Nakai, Kazuo Ohyama, Toshiaki Tokisawa, Masanori Kaneko, Atsushi Miyahara, Tomonori Sato
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Patent number: 9359743Abstract: A control system for a hybrid construction machine includes: a turning motor provided in a turning circuit; a pressure detector for detecting a turning pressure of the turning motor; a variable displacement type of fluid pressure motor for regeneration which is rotated by means of pressurized fluid guided from the turning motor; a motor generator adapted to be rotated integrally with the fluid pressure motor; and a controller adapted to predict a turning regeneration flow from the turning motor on the basis of the turning pressure detected by pressure detector to control a tilt angle of the fluid pressure motor on the basis of the predicted turning regeneration flow.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: KYB CorporationInventors: Haruhiko Kawasaki, Masahiro Egawa
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Patent number: 9335356Abstract: [Problem] For measuring the inductance of a synchronous motor, a high-speed and convenient inductance measuring device for a synchronous motor is provided. [Solution] A three-phase high-frequency rotation voltage is applied to a synchronous motor, thereby calculating the inductance from the same frequency component as that of the high-frequency voltage included in a motor current.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2010Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Shoji Adachi, Yoshihiko Kinpara
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Patent number: 9329603Abstract: A valve main body including a valve member that opens and closes a valve seat is associated with a fluid pressure driving unit including a pressure-receiving member (piston) that drives the valve member, a valve aperture adjusting unit that sets the aperture of the valve member, an electromagnetic valve unit that supplies and discharges a pilot fluid to and from the fluid pressure driving unit, and a controller that controls the aperture of the valve member. The controller controls the aperture of the valve member by controlling the position of the pressure-receiving member, such that the vacuum chamber attains a predetermined target pressure, and monitors a difference between an actual pressure in the vacuum chamber obtained from the pressure sensor and the target pressure, and announces abnormality in the case where the difference deviates from a tolerance range.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: SMC CORPORATIONInventors: Tadao Watanabe, Yu Hirabayashi
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Patent number: 9308309Abstract: A method is provided for the control of valves for flow path control, in particular in a medical treatment machine, having a plurality of processes for the manufacture of flow paths by control of a group of valves, with each process claiming a group of valves suitable for its carrying out for itself so that other processes cannot change the switching state of these valves and with each process itself making a decision on the release of the valves claimed by it. In addition, a method is provided for monitoring the then current and/or scheduled state of a plurality of valves in the flow path control, determining the connections resulting from the switching state of the valves, and comparing the resulting connections with a predetermined number of non-permitted connections.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2014Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: FRESENUIS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventors: Frank Hedmann, Stephan Klatte
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Patent number: 9302752Abstract: This invention relates to a breathing sensing device for detecting a pressure drop due to breathing. The device includes a diaphragm (100) having a first pressure chamber (120) on one side and a second pressure chamber (121) on a second side within an actuator housing. The first and second pressure chambers (120,121) are connected to a system pressure (L1) by flow passages (143, 153) having different cross sectional passage area (Ar, Af) arranged to facilitate detection of a pressure drop due to breathing.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2011Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: CONSENSUM ASInventor: Ola Patriksson
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Patent number: 9297150Abstract: The present invention is a water damage prevention system that has a residential or industrial/commercial facility water supply interruption system. The system is comprised of a remotely controllable base station with shut-off/on mechanism that is in wireless or wired communication with a convenient controller. The base station with shut-off/on mechanism is interposed within a water line from a water main to the living or operating quarters portion of a residential or a industrial/commercial facility or building, such that activation of the base station with shut-off/on valve operates to prevent flow of water from the water main to the living quarters when the residential home or industrial/commercial facility or building is vacated or unsupervised. In this manner, damage to the living quarters or the industrial/commercial facility or building from failure of water pipes running through the living or working quarters is prevented during times that the shut-off mechanism is activated.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2013Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Inventor: Michael Edward Klicpera
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Patent number: 9279596Abstract: A computerized method for diagnosing a damper condition in a flow control unit includes providing a control signal to a damper. The control signal instructs the damper to move into a target position or to achieve a target flow rate through the flow control unit. The method further includes receiving pressure information including one or more pressure measurements from a differential pressure sensor of the flow control unit and using the pressure information and the control signal to conduct a damper performance diagnostic. The damper performance diagnostic includes at least one of: a stuck damper diagnostic, a predictive damper failure diagnostic, an improperly-sized damper diagnostic, and a damper leakage diagnostic.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Troy A. Goldschmidt, Dimitri S. Papadopoulos
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Patent number: 9241830Abstract: A system for a pneumatically-powered vitrectomy machine includes an output port, a venting valve, a venting manifold, a pressure transducer, and a controller. The output port provides pressurized gas to a vitrectomy probe. The venting valve is located close to the output port. The venting manifold fluidly connects the venting valve to a venting port. The venting port vents pressurized gas from the venting manifold. The pressure transducer is located near the output port. The pressure transducer is configured to read a pressure of a gas near the output port. The controller is adapted to receive information about the pressure and activate the venting valve. When the information received from the pressure transducer indicates a fault condition, the controller directs the venting valve to open.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2006Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Novartis AGInventors: Argelio Olivera, Mark Hopkins, Denis Turner
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Patent number: 9223318Abstract: A mass flow controller with high accuracy flow rate output control is disclosed. In the mass flow controller, relation data that indicates a corresponding relation between a flow rate of a reference gas and a CF value of a sample gas is stored, a target flow rate is converted into a reference gas flow rate by the use of a predetermined CF value, a sample gas flow rate is calculated from the converted reference gas flow rate and a CF value corresponding to the reference gas flow rate, the sample gas flow rate is compared with the target flow rate, and the CF value that is used for conversion of the reference gas flow rate or calculation of the sample gas flow rate is updated by the use of the corresponding relation based on the error between the sample gas flow rate and the target flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: HORIBA STEC, Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Takeuchi, Yutaka Yoneda, Yasuhiro Isobe
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Patent number: 9175614Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a gas fuel admission system for a gas fired engine. A gas pressure regulating unit includes a gas pressure regulating unit inlet and a gas pressure regulating unit outlet. The gas pressure regulating unit is configured to receive gas and to discharge the gas at an injection pressure. An engine gas inlet is configured to direct gas into the at least one combustion chamber. A gas admission valve is configured to admit the gas having an injection pressure at a predetermined time for a predetermined duration into the engine gas inlet. A gas pressure relief device is fluidly connected to the gas conduit and it is configured to relieve overpressure of the gas in the gas supply conduit, if a pressure differential between the injection gas pressure and the intake air pressure is above a predetermined threshold. A specific engine control module is configured to control the gas admission valve in response to inputs from various sensing devices.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2010Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Motoren GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Wolfgang Hoefer, Manfred Meissner, Bert Ritscher