Electrically Actuated Valve Patents (Class 137/487.5)
  • Patent number: 8644996
    Abstract: A positioner operating mode identifying function is provided in a calculating unit. A pressure value of an amplified pneumatic pressure signal, from a single-mode pilot relay, is detected by a pressure sensor and sent to the calculating unit. The calculating unit, through the positioner operating mode identifying function, monitors a change in the amplified pneumatic pressure signal corresponding to a change in the control signal, and if the direction of change in the control output and the direction of change of the amplified pneumatic pressure signal are the identical direction, identifies the operating mode of the positioner as the positive operating mode. The operating mode of the positioner is identified as the negative operating mode if the direction of change in the control output and the direction of change of the amplified pneumatic pressure signal are the opposite directions. The identification results displayed on a screen of a display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Azbil Corporation
    Inventor: Yohsuke Inagaki
  • Publication number: 20140026969
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fail-safe fluidic actuation system (1) having a safety position, comprising a control element (2) having at least one first and one second chamber (3, 4); having a working circuit (5) with a motor/pump device (6), wherein the control element can be actuated by means of the working circuit at least in the operational state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Moog GmbH
    Inventors: Achim Helbig, Christoph Boes, Werner Handle
  • Publication number: 20140007951
    Abstract: Fuel systems and methods for controlling fuel systems in a vehicle with multiple fuel tanks are provided. An exemplary vehicle fuel system includes a first fuel tank including a first pressure sensor, and a second fuel tank. The system may further include a fuel tank isolation valve positioned to selectively decouple the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank. The system may further include an electronic controller configured to identify which of the first fuel tank and second fuel tank includes a fuel system leak by selectively decoupling the first fuel tank and the second fuel tank via the fuel tank isolation valve, responsive to an identification of the fuel system leak.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shane Elwart, James Michael Kerns
  • Publication number: 20140000729
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting leaks using sensors to report the leak and communicate with a control unit to turn off the source of the leak once detected. A valve can be turned off in the event of a leak and embodiments employing battery power can function during loss of power such as a power blackout. Wireless sensors can be employed to detect leaks that wirelessly communicate with a control and operate solely with a designated control unit. The wireless sensors can operate using low power provided by batteries. The control panel can display alarm conditions from the sensors, including: low battery, poor signal, wet sensor, communication failure, sensor failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Inventor: Timothy Meyer
  • Patent number: 8616231
    Abstract: A valve device for a compressed air supply system, includes a control chamber to which compressed air may be supplied, a control piston plate delimiting the control chamber, a control piston that is fixed to the side of the control piston plate facing away from the control chamber. The piston protrudes into a discharge valve chamber of a discharge valve, provided with at least one compressed air connection. A valve head delimits the discharge valve chamber, which can be pressurized with the force of a spring in the direction of a valve seat and which can be lifted from the valve seat by the control piston counter to the force of the spring in order to open the discharge valve. The control piston and a valve housing surrounding the control piston define at least two regeneration valve chambers of a regeneration valve having at least one compressed air connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Eduard Hilberer
  • Publication number: 20130340860
    Abstract: In an electrically operated valve control device of an electrically operated valve provided with a valve body which controls a flow rate of a fluid, and a motor which drives the valve body, the control device is provided with a valve opening degree control means which controls a valve opening degree of the electrically operated valve, an initializing control means which executes an initializing process of the electrically operated valve, and a memory means, and an executing frequency of the initializing process is stored in the memory means. The control device is further provided with a communicating means which carries out transmission and receipt of a signal, and can output the executing frequency of the initializing process which is stored in the memory means. An electrically operated valve device can be constructed by the electrically operated valve to which the electrically operated valve control device is integrally attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Yoshio OGAWA
  • Patent number: 8615329
    Abstract: A control system is disclosed for regulating the flow of a liquid from a liquid provider through a liquid distribution system. The distribution system has a major liquid distribution channel connected to a plurality of minor liquid distribution channels providing the liquid to a multiplicity of users. A plurality of controllable user valves are interposed in the multiplicity of user channels. A liquid monitor senses a liquid flow characteristic within the liquid distribution channel. A user control changes selective controllable user valves for restoring a desired liquid flow characteristic within the liquid distribution channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Water Optimizer LLC
    Inventor: Thomas M. O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20130333774
    Abstract: There is provided a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure of a gas. The pressure gauge comprises a housing connectable to the gas source and comprising an interior which is, in use, in communication with said gas. The pressure gauge further comprising a sensor assembly located within said housing and including a piezoelectric oscillator which, in use, is located in contact with said gas, said sensor assembly being arranged to measure the oscillation frequency of said piezoelectric oscillator in said gas and configured to determine, from the frequency measurement and the known temperature and known molecular weight of the gas, the pressure of the gas. By providing such an arrangement, an overpressure proof yet accurate pressure gauge can be provided. This is in contrast to conventional gauges which are damaged permanently by overpressure situations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Neil Alexander Downie, Marcel Behrens
  • Publication number: 20130333773
    Abstract: A two-stage, variable force, solenoid control valve (10) for regulating fluid pressure can include a valve body (12) having a pilot fluid passage (14), including a metering land (16), in fluid communication with a flow amplifying fluid passage (18) through a valve control port (20) formed in the valve body (12). A solenoid operated pilot valve member (22), disposed in the pilot fluid passage (14), can have a metering orifice (24) operable in combination with the metering land (16) for selectively connecting the valve control port (20) with a pressurized fluid supply port (26) and a return exhaust port (28) in response to activation of a solenoid (34). A flow amplifying spool valve member (30), in fluid communication with the valve control port (20) of the pilot valve member (22) at one end (30a), can selectively connect a load control port (32) with the pressurized fluid supply port (26) and the return exhaust port (28) in response to pilot valve member (22) operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventor: Garrett R. Holmes
  • Publication number: 20130327423
    Abstract: In a linear solenoid 107n, an electromagnetic coil 71n, a pressure sensor 72n, and label resistors 73n and 74n for correcting an inherent variation in a pressure detection characteristic are integrated; the standard characteristic of the pressure sensor 72n is stored in a control module 120M; when driving is started, the resistance values of the label resistors 73n and 74n are read, the pressure detection characteristic of the utilized pressure sensor 72n is corrected, and an excitation current for the electromagnetic coil 71n is controlled in such a way that a target adjusted hydraulic pressure is obtained. Even when due to a change in the oil temperature, the valve opening characteristic of the linear solenoid 107n changes, the adjusted hydraulic pressure is controlled to be constant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Shozo KANZAKI, Fumiaki ARIMAI, Hiroyoshi NISHIZAKI
  • Publication number: 20130319535
    Abstract: A flow control system includes a pilot driven valve having a pilot assembly and a main valve assembly; a displacement measurement component coupled to the main valve assembly indicating displacement of the main valve assembly; and a proportional solenoid responsive to a signal from the displacement measurement component that displaces the pilot assembly in proportion to the changes in displacement of the main valve assembly. The valve is controlled by sensing a displacement of the main valve assembly; and modulating the proportional solenoid in response to the displacement of the main valve assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: DRESSER, INC.
    Inventors: Henry William Boger, James Albert Stares
  • Publication number: 20130319546
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve includes an outer frame, a ferromagnetic cylinder, a plastic air faucet, an electrical coil module and a spring. The plastic air faucet has a first end extending through a through hole of the outer frame and a second opposite end extending through a hollow channel of the ferromagnetic cylinder. The electrical coil module is located within the outer frame and has a central passage allowing the ferromagnetic cylinder to be accommodated inside. The ferromagnetic stopper is slidable along the central passage of the electrical coil module, wherein the ferromagnetic stopper has a seal gasket. The spring is located between the air faucet and the ferromagnetic stopper. When the electrical coil module is electrified, the ferromagnetic stopper and the ferromagnetic cylinder attract each other to against the resilient force of the spring to push the seal gasket against the air opening of the air faucet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: XIAMEN KOGE MICRO TECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Cheng-Kai TUNG, Sheng-Min YANG
  • Patent number: 8596293
    Abstract: A water appliance including a water flow control unit for controlling a water flow. The control unit includes a flow restrictor and a leakage stop in serial fluid communication with the flow restrictor. The leakage stop cuts off the flow when a pressure difference between an inlet and an outlet of the flow restrictor is below a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Frans Mous, Sander De Jonge
  • Publication number: 20130312674
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating vapor from a liquid precursor for a thin film deposition on a substrate includes an inlet section in fluid communication with a downstream vaporization chamber section. The inlet section comprises a gas inlet for receiving gas from a gas source through a gas flow sensor and a gas flow control valve and a liquid inlet for receiving liquid from a liquid source through a liquid flow sensor and a liquid flow control valve. An electronic controller controls the gas and liquid flow control valves thereby controlling the rates of gas and liquid flow into the inlet section to generate vapor in the downstream vaporization chamber section for thin film deposition on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: MSP Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Y.H. Liu, Yamin Ma, Thuc Dinh
  • Publication number: 20130312730
    Abstract: A valve apparatus includes substantially co-aligned first and second valve seats and substantially co-aligned first and second valve members. The first valve member is moveable relative to the first valve seat between at least an open position in which the first valve member is spaced from the first valve seat and a closed position in which the first valve member is seated against the first valve seat. The second valve member is moveable relative to the second valve seat between at least an open position in which the second valve member is spaced from the second valve seat and a closed position in which the second valve member is seated against the second valve seat. An armature is operable for moving the first and second valve members, in response to a magnetic field generated by a coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Emerson Electric Co.,
    Inventors: Mark H. Stark, Mike C. Santinanavat, Ryan D. Jensen, John F. Broker
  • Patent number: 8590561
    Abstract: A pressure sensor having a structure in which compressible fluid is prevented from stagnating in the vicinity of a pressure-receiving surface of the pressure sensor in the interior of a pressure introducing portion is provided. In a pressure sensor including a sensor body arranged in a pressure introduction flow channel branched in a T-shape upward from a primary fluid flow channel in which fluid to be subjected to pressure measurement flows, the pressure introduction flow channel includes an inclined surface extending in a direction to increase an opening area on the side of an inlet port of the fluid on a wall surface on the downstream side in terms of the direction of flow of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Igarashi
  • Patent number: 8584698
    Abstract: An electronic, programmable device for controlling the motion of compressor valve elements, wherein the device receives an incoming signal from a velocity sensor located on a compressor valve; filters, amplifies, and processes the incoming signal by a control algorithm; and responds to the incoming signal by creating an output signal that produces an actuator force that is applied directly to a moving valve element and associated methodology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Southern Gas Association Gas Machinery Research Council
    Inventors: Klaus Brun, Merle E. Converse, Jerome A. Helffrich
  • Patent number: 8578958
    Abstract: A bi-directional pressurized system with devices for and configured to mitigate issues associated with leak and creep phenomena at various stages throughout the system, including valves and controls to distribute a leaked amount of fluid prior to delivery to a pressure-sensitive destination and a pressure relief valve to bring an initial pressure within an acceptable range for distribution to reach a target pressure is disclosed. A startup method for mitigating leakage of the system during a rest phase, including selectively reducing the initial pressure upstream of a pressure-sensitive destination, is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Shi Jung (Jerry) Chen
  • Patent number: 8579252
    Abstract: An arrangement in which a valve assembly is provided between the supply air inlet and the magnetic valve that is activated by a position threshold sensor that can be activated by the actuator element and/or a pressure threshold sensor registering the actuating pressure on the magnetic valve and connects the magnetic valve directly to the supply air to increase the availability of the actuator device when the position threshold sensor detects the attaining of a specified operation position of the actuator element or the pressure threshold sensor detects the failure to attain a specified minimum pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Klaus-Peter Heer
  • Publication number: 20130291963
    Abstract: A capacity control valve for increasing the ability to drain liquid refrigerant from a control chamber during startup of a variable-capacity compressor without changing the control valve characteristics has a spring acting in the direction of valve opening provided between an adapter and a free end of a pressure-sensitive body in the extension and contraction direction thereof and having an annular seat surface, and a third valve part having an annular engaging surface for opening and closing a suction-side passage by engaging and disengaging with the seat surface of the adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: EAGLE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masayuki Futakuchi, Kohei Fukudome, Kenji Moriwaki, Masahiro Hayama, Toshinori Kanzaki, Ryosuke Cho
  • Patent number: 8573241
    Abstract: Systems and processes may provide field-initiated testing and/or control of fluid regulatory systems. In one aspect, a fluid regulatory testing system may include a field test initiator and a fluid regulator control system. The field test initiator may alter control signal delivered to the fluid regulator control system upon activation of a user input device. The fluid regulator control system may receive control signals from the field test initiator and generate fluid regulator control signals. The fluid regulator control system may also detect whether a control signal has been altered, and initiate a fluid regulator testing sequence, if the control signal has been altered. The fluid regulator control system may include a latch mode. When a latch mode is commenced, generation of fluid regulator control signals based on received control signals and/or alteration of a position of a fluid regulator may be inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Sandro Esposito
  • Patent number: 8573247
    Abstract: A highly versatile flow-rate controller that is easy to handle and a regulator unit and a valve unit used for the same are provided. The flow-rate controller includes a regulator unit having a regulator and a first pressure sensor, a valve unit having a second pressure sensor and a flow-rate control valve, and an orifice unit that is connected to the regulator unit and the valve unit in a detachable manner and that has a fluid channel and an orifice that connect to the regulator unit and the valve unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Ushigusa, Hiroki Igarashi, Masahiro Hasunuma
  • Patent number: 8567062
    Abstract: A method of assembling an electromagnetic gas valve having a first body, a second body, a unit comprising a valve disc and stem assembly coupled to a moveable insulating structure having a projecting member, an electromagnet assembly comprising a magnet fixed within the second body and a coil wound on a moving part with a cavity adapted to receive the projecting member, the first body having a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a through hole disposed between the gas inlet and outlet. In one implementation the insulating structure is coupled to the electromagnetic assembly by introducing a fluid under pressure into the gas outlet or gas inlet to act upon the unit to cause the projecting member to move in a direction towards the inside of the second body and into the cavity of the moving part of the electromagnet assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Coprecitec, S.L.
    Inventors: Félix Querejeta Andueza, Francisco Javier Echenausía Saez de Zaitegui, José Ignacio Múgica Odriozola
  • Patent number: 8561636
    Abstract: System and method for controlling leakage and/or testing of pipe systems and discharge points for incompressible fluids, said system including one or more automatic valve arrangements (10) arranged in a pipe system in connection with the fluid supply to a processing plant or building comprising rooms (16) having one or more discharge points (17) to open and close the fluid supply. The system includes a control device (13) provided with communication devices and arrangements (24) to detect activity in rooms (16) with discharge points (17) or the processing plant. The system comprises a pressure control arrangement (20) arranged between the automatic valve arrangement (10) and rooms (16) having discharge points (17) or the processing plant. The pressure control arrangement (20) is arranged for increasing the pressure in the pipe system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Veit Holding AS
    Inventor: Vemund Eithun
  • Patent number: 8561627
    Abstract: Method for providing a fluid at a target pressure. In one implementation, the method may include providing a semiconductor solution at a velocity to a supply line through a dispenser, measuring a pressure of the semiconductor solution flowing through the supply line, comparing the measured pressure with the target pressure, and adjusting the velocity based on the results of the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventor: Rajesh Kelekar
  • Patent number: 8555914
    Abstract: A control program for a positive displacement metering system measures the time required for the travel of a free piston in a cylinder of known volume to determine an average flow rate during a full stroke of the piston. The system may also measure and record the inlet and outlet pressures or the differential pressure between the fluid inlet and outlet. The control program positions a four-way valve which may function as an adjustable metering orifice in response to the measured average flow rate and/or changes in the inlet and outlet pressures to achieve the desired flow rate. At the end of each stroke, the four-way valve is repositioned to reverse fluid flow through the metering cylinder. The system may revise the valve position settings for both forward and reverse strokes based on the measured time required for a full stroke at a certain valve position. In this way, the system automatically and iteratively compensates for changes in fluid properties and fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: National Coupling Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Smith, IV, Maurice Slot, Richard R. Watson
  • Patent number: 8550112
    Abstract: Multifunctional safety valve device with proportional pressure regulator, for line feeding aeriform fluid to a user, including a body defining a fluid or gas conduit connected to a gas feed line and a gas delivering line. The conduit has first and second passages intercepted by respective first and second valving elements. The second element downstream of the first for gas pressure regulating and modulating. The valving elements operated by electromagnetic actuators and urged closed at least by a spring. The second element cooperating with a membrane subjected to gas pressure to urge the second element closed. The membrane has, subjected to gas pressure, a surface larger than that of the second element subjected to the same pressure, to maintain the second element closed. The second element presenting, downstream of the second passage, a portion with a flexible rim arranged to seal the second passage when intercepted by the second element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Bertelli & Partners S.R.L.
    Inventor: Pierluigi Bertelli
  • Patent number: 8549136
    Abstract: For the operation of at least one non-safety-critical application process and at least one safety-critical application process, the invention proposes a data processing and transmission system with a data transmission network, at least one non-safety-related network element linked to the non-safety-critical application process and connected to the network, and with at least one safety-related network element linked to the safety-critical application process, as well as with at least one master unit connected to the network, and a server unit connected to the network separately from the master unit, wherein the safety-related server unit controls the at least one safety-critical application process, specifically by processing safety-relevant data necessary for controlling the safety-critical application process and by organizing the transmission of the safety-relevant data over the network by means of at least one of the network elements and/or the master unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Johannes Kalhoff, Rahlves Lutz, Steffen Horn
  • Patent number: 8534182
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system includes an oil control valve to control oil flow within a valvetrain. The control valve varies the flow rate to actuate an engine component from a first position to a second position based upon fluid pressure from the control valve. Varying the flow rate through the control valve includes increasing the flow rate through the control valve to increase the pressure to a first level to actuate the engine component to the first position. After the engine component is actuated, the flow rate through the control valve is maintained at a level sufficient to maintain the engine component in the first position. To actuate the engine component to the second position the flow rate through the control valve is then decreased. The fluid flow rate through the control valve is then maintained at a level sufficient to maintain the engine component in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Keller, Gerrit V. Beneker, Robert A. Dayton
  • Patent number: 8528590
    Abstract: A valve (10) is provided that combines the features of a solenoid valve and a check valve into a singel combination solenoid check valve. The valve utilizes a first check valve (58) to allow fluid to flow from the outlet passageway (28) of the valve to a chamber (36) above the piston (40) to ensure that the valve remains closed when the outlet pressure in the valve is greater than the inlet pressure. The valve also utilizes a second check valve (42) that closes a bleed aperture through the piston when the pressure in the chamber above the piston is greater than the inlet pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Steven Mesner
  • Patent number: 8528589
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for assessing one or more predetermined characteristics or properties of a microfluidic droplet within a microfluidic channel, and regulating one or more fluid flow rates within that channel to selectively alter the predetermined microdroplet characteristic or property using a feedback control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Raindance Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Miller, Brian Hutchison, Andrew Wilson, Jonathan Larson, Qun Zhong, Yevgeny Yurkovetsky, Darren Link, Mark Weary
  • Patent number: 8522815
    Abstract: With a gas shutoff device in the related art, a non-uniform gas layer can be produced by mixing of a gas of a different type from the gas currently in use during a shift in the amount of heat or installation or replacement, and an unexpected flow rate may be detected due to a disruption in the propagation of ultrasonic waves, thereby causing an erroneous determination of a flow rate abnormality or a sensor abnormality. With the gas shutoff device according to the invention, a valve-closing timer section 14 starts to time based on a valve-closing signal which is output by the flow rate abnormality or the sensor abnormality, and outputs a valve-opening signal to a valve driving section 12 if a release input is accepted from outside within a setting time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Honda, Takuhisa Ootani, Kouji Murase
  • Publication number: 20130220980
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling gas pressure for a plasma cutter includes a plasma torch, a gas supply system to provide a pressurized gas to the plasma torch, and a proportional valve configured to regulate the pressurized gas. The proportional valve includes a body, a valve seat positioned therein and defining a valve orifice, and a plunger having a mating surface on one end that mates with the valve seat and the orifice and a pressure receiving surface on an opposite end. The proportional valve also includes an inlet to receive the pressurized gas and distribute the pressurized gas to the valve orifice and the pressure receiving surface of the plunger, an electrical solenoid having a chamber to electro-magnetically translate the plunger therein, and a bias urging the plunger toward the valve orifice in conjunction with the pressurized gas when electrical power is reduced to the electrical solenoid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
  • Publication number: 20130220452
    Abstract: Apparatus and a control system for monitoring (preferably digitally) and/or controlling pressure to a pneumatic load such as a proportional fluid control valve and using a measurement input from a fluid measurement device that responds to a flow rate, the liquid measurement input being used to control the pressure to the pneumatic load so that pneumatic load may be increased or decreased (to proportionally open or close the pneumatic valve) to change the flow rate of the fluid to a desired rate. The pneumatic load can also be adjusted (to proportionally open or close the pneumatic valve) to accommodate changes in temperature and viscosity of a fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventor: Entegris, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8511337
    Abstract: A flow rate controller is arranged such that a control circuit controls a proportional electromagnetic valve so that a flow rate detected by a flow rate sensor reaches a target flow rate. The proportional electromagnetic valve includes a coil supported in a holder, a bobbin and a fixed core, a valve element and a plate spring placed on a movable core, the valve seat, lead-in path, lead-out path, and orifice being formed in a body. The movable core is displaced by balance between an attractive force of the fixed core generated by excitation of the coil and an urging force of the plate spring, thereby adjusting the position of the valve element with respect to the valve seat to adjust the flow rate of a fluid. The orifice has an inside diameter set to a value of “?1 mm or more” and an axial length set to a value to have a ratio of “from 0.1 to 0.6 inclusive” to the inside diameter. The lead-out path has an inside diameter set to be larger than the inside diameter of the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: CKD Corporation
    Inventor: Yasunori Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8505872
    Abstract: A valve control apparatus sets a certain soft landing start target position to a drive control unit for carrying out driving of a DC motor 2 as a target open position in response to a fully close command, and sets the target open position which the valve control apparatus acquires by gradually decreasing the soft landing start target position to the above-mentioned drive control unit at a time when the difference between an actual open position and the soft landing start target position becomes equal to a first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Kawamura, Shigenaga Yamasaki, Sotsuo Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 8499786
    Abstract: A mass flow controller among other embodiments and method is described. The mass flow controller including a thermal mass flow sensor including at least two sensing elements coupled to a sensor tube of the mass flow controller, the thermal mass flow sensor being designed to provide a first signal indicative of flow of a gas within a first flow-rate-range and a second signal indicative of flow of the gas within a second flow-rate-range; and a control portion figured to control a valve position of the mass flow controller responsive to the first signal when the flow of the gas is within the first flow-rate-range and control the valve position of the mass flow controller responsive to the second signal when the flow of the gas is within a second flow-rate-range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd
    Inventors: Michael J. Zolock, Alexei V. Smirnov
  • Publication number: 20130186487
    Abstract: A gas pressure regulating valve capable of regulating secondary pressure of a high-pressure fuel gas to a target pressure and preventing the fuel gas from leaking. An electromagnetic pressure regulating valve is an in tank type and can cause a valve body to move to adjust an opening degree of a valve passage. A diaphragm seal and a low-pressure sealing member respectively seal both sides of a bearing member slidingly supporting the valve body. The diaphragm seal receives the secondary pressure from a pressure return chamber. A back pressure chamber connected to a primary port is formed in the valve body by a seal rod inserted in the valve body. A communication passage connected to a secondary port is formed at a side of the seal rod, and a high-pressure sealing member seals between the communication passage and the back pressure chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kaoru Nomichi, Yutaka Suzuki, Makoto Ninomiya
  • Publication number: 20130186486
    Abstract: A mass flow controller comprises: a first flow meter constructed and arranged to measured flow rate of mass through the mass flow controller; a second flow meter constructed and arranged to measure flow rate of mass through the mass flow controller; a control valve constructed and arranged so as to control the flow rate of mass through the mass flow controller in response to a control signal generated as a function of the flow rate as measured by one of the flow meters; and a system controller constructed and arranged to generate the control signal, and to provide an indication when a difference between the flow rate of mass as measured by the first flow meter and the flow rate of mass as measured by the second flow meter exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Junhua Ding
  • Patent number: 8490646
    Abstract: A flush valve for a waste water system includes a valve body and a vent system. The valve includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a main valve element extending therebetween and adapted for movement to allow fluid flow therethrough based on a pressure differential across a portion of the main valve element. The vent system includes a control chamber, in flow communication with the fluid inlet of the valve and a vent outlet in flow communication with the fluid outlet of the valve. The flush valve further includes a relief system including a relief chamber with a relief inlet in flow communication with the control chamber and a relief outlet in flow communication with the vent outlet. A mechanical relief device is configured to open and close the relief inlet based on a predetermined fluid pressure at the relief inlet, thereby venting fluid from the control chamber to the vent outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: SDB IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Shawn D. Bush
  • Patent number: 8490645
    Abstract: In a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of liquid flowing in a main fluid flow path, a pressure measuring unit is installed by providing a pressure measuring space at a position branching from a straight-pipe portion of the main fluid flow path, and, in addition, the main fluid flow path and the pressure measuring space are connected with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe whose pipe diameters are smaller than the main fluid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Igarashi
  • Publication number: 20130180606
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve, and more specially relates to a floating action type servo-valve used for fluid control, comprising a valve body, a torque motor, a pilot stage and a power stage control mechanism. An upper valve block, an intermediate baffle and a lower valve block are spliced by a fastener in the valve body. A torsion-bar spring of the torque motor passes through the center of a gag bit and is fixed to the valve body with a stand. A pilot stage revolving shaft and a power stage revolving stage are provided in a same central line, with a mating between the pilot stage revolving shaft and the upper valve block and a mating between the power stage revolving shaft and the lower valve block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Hangzhou XZB Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hua Dong
  • Patent number: 8485219
    Abstract: It is possible to respecify the product (mass flow controller) corresponding to multiple types of actual process gases and multiple flow rate ranges, even after the mass flow controller has been shipped. With the mass flow rate control device in an initial state, calibration gas characteristic data is derived by measuring actual flow rate versus a flow rate setting signal using a calibration gas, and this calibration gas characteristic data is then saved to control unit. Meanwhile, actual gas characteristic data is derived by measuring actual flow rate versus a flow rate setting signal for each of a plurality of types of actual gas, and this actual gas characteristic data is then saved to a storage medium. Subsequently, prior to operating the mass flow rate control device, the actual gas characteristic data for an actual process gas is read from the storage medium via a computer, and the calibration gas characteristic data that was saved to the control unit is read out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Goto, Makoto Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8485211
    Abstract: The present invention regards a subsea valve system comprising a valve, a fluid supply line connectable to a remote fluid supply and in connection with an inlet of the valve, an outlet of the valve connectable to an outlet fluid line and a fluid tight housing at least partly enclosing the valve. According to the invention the fluid supply line comprises an outlet within the housing, establishing a pressure within the housing mainly equal to the pressure of the supply fluid at the inlet of the valve. The invention also regards a method for protecting a subsea valve system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Framo Engineering AS
    Inventors: Jørgen Eide, Henrik Steine Madsen
  • Publication number: 20130174915
    Abstract: A valve positioner system with zero bleed at steady state is disclosed. The system has a pilot valve, the operation of which is controlled by an electronic circuit powered from a signaling and power connection of a positioner device. A plurality of pneumatic valves are activated and deactivated by the pilot valve to control a valve actuator. With varying configurations and arrangements of normally open or normally closed pilot valves and pneumatic valves, fail freeze and fail safe operations are contemplated. The activation and deactivation of the pilot valve is controlled by an electronic circuit that monitors a valve position signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: STI SRL
    Inventor: STI srl
  • Patent number: 8479758
    Abstract: New methods and devices for reducing water consumption by restricting the supply pressures at the water consumption points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Softatalo Aida Oy
    Inventor: Juhani Aalto
  • Publication number: 20130167949
    Abstract: A composite valve has a communication path communicating a first valve chamber with a second valve chamber, a second valve port communicating the second valve chamber with an outflow port, and a pilot passage communicating a back pressure chamber with the outflow port. In the case that a lift amount of a second valve body for a small flow rate control is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the pilot passage is closed by a pilot valve body, and a first valve port is closed by a first valve body, thereby taking a small flow rate control state. In the case that the lift amount of the second valve body goes beyond the predetermined amount, the pilot valve body is moved up in conjunction with the upward movement of a valve shaft so as to open the pilot passage, thereby taking a large flow rate control state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: FUJIKOKI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Fujikoki Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130167843
    Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for piloting a pneumatic valve using one or more piezoelectric blowers. According to embodiments, the one or more piezoelectric blowers may be coupled to the pneumatic valve to form a small, light-weight pneumatic valve that may be placed proximal to a ventilated patient, e.g., at the patient wye or the patient interface. Due to the close coupling of the one or more piezoelectric blowers, the pneumatic valve has a substantially shorter response time than traditional pneumatically piloted valves. Moreover, when piezoelectric blowers are coupled to the pneumatic valve in parallel, response time may be further decreased. Additionally or alternatively, when piezoelectric blowers are coupled to the pneumatic valve in series, pilot pressure may be increased as a function of the number of piezoelectric blowers in the series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
    Inventors: Gardner Kimm, Peter Doyle
  • Publication number: 20130167950
    Abstract: An electromagnetic pressure regulating valve includes a valve body and causes a valve body to move by an electromagnetic proportional solenoid to adjust an opening degree of a valve passage, thereby regulating secondary pressure to target pressure. A pressure return chamber is formed in the housing, and a diaphragm seal is provided at the valve body. The diaphragm seal receives the secondary pressure of the pressure return chamber to cause the valve body to move toward a closed position. A bearing member is provided between the valve body and the housing. In a gap between the valve body and the housing, a high-pressure sealing member is provided closer to the valve passage than the bearing member, and a low-pressure sealing member is provided closer to the bearing member than the high-pressure sealing member. A buffer chamber connected to a secondary port is formed between the sealing members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kaoru Nomichi, Yutaka Suzuki, Makoto Ninomiya, Shoji Murakami
  • Publication number: 20130152673
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to valves, and more particularly, to gas valve assemblies. In one example, a valve assembly may be configured to perform a valve proving test as part of an operational cycle of a combustion appliance coupled to the valve assembly. The valve assembly may include a valve body having a fluid path, first and second valve sealing members translatable between an opened position and a closed position, and one or more pressure sensors in fluid communication with an intermediate volume of the fluid path between the first and second valve sealing members. A valve controller may be in communication with the pressure sensor and may monitor a measure related to a pressure change rate in the intermediate volume. The valve controller may then output a signal if the measure related to a pressure change rate in the intermediate volume meets and/or exceeds a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Young, Donald J. Kasprzyk, David Kucera, Jos Praat