Bi-directional Flow Valves Patents (Class 137/493)
  • Patent number: 11890558
    Abstract: A filter system for filtering fluid has a filter housing with inlet socket and outlet socket for fluid. A central tube with radially open region over a portion of its axial length is arranged in the filter housing in flow communication with the outlet socket in an operating state. Within the central tube, a secondary element is arranged slidably between first and second operating positions. A filter element, separating a raw fluid side from a clean fluid side, has a filter bellows with a first end plate at a first end face and a second end plate at a second end face. The end plates have central openings for receiving the central tube in the filter element interior. In the first operating position, the secondary element opens a fluid path through the radially open region of the central tube and closes the fluid path in the second operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: MANN+HUMMEL GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Loehl
  • Patent number: 11644115
    Abstract: A valve member provides for the flow of vapors from a fuel tank of an internal combustion engine to escape the fuel tank. The valve member may include a valve and a boss or spacer. The valve is configured to selectively control the flow of vapor from the fuel tank. The boss or spacer is positioned in a predetermined relationship to the valve, and the boss or spacer prevents a deformation of the valve from disrupting the selectively controlled flow of vapor from the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Inventors: Gary Stenz, Mark Huibregtse, Brian Hartwig
  • Patent number: 11629772
    Abstract: A valve includes: a valve case; and an annular valve body, one of the inner circumference end and the outer circumference end of the valve body being formed as the free end capable of moving towards both sides in the axial direction with respect to the valve case. The valve case has the annular opposing surface capable of opposing to the free end so as to form the gap therebetween, and the guide surface that is positioned on one side of the opposing surface in the axial direction, the guide surface being continuous with the part of the opposing surface in the circumferential direction. The guide surface is inclined in the direction away from the valve body as the distance from the opposing surface is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: KYB CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Kimishima, Tomohiko Baba, Takeshi Yasui
  • Patent number: 11613417
    Abstract: A container and method of manufacture of a container made of a single material is provided. The container includes a base having a base perimeter with a surface, and a wall having an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge comprising two upper edge portions, wherein the lower edge is affixed about the entire perimeter surface, and the first upper edge portion is affixed to the second upper edge portion, thereby forming a space to hold foodstuffs. The base stock material is cut and formed into a base with the base perimeter. A seal is applied between the lower edge of the wall and the surface of the base perimeter. Another seal is applied to two vertical end portions of the wall, forming a cup-like container with an internal space. A final seal is applied between two portions of the upper edge of the wall completing the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Winpak Ltd.
    Inventors: Manuel Jose Moreno Brociner, Mustafa Bilgen, Olivier Yves Muggli, Ashley Robert Andrews
  • Patent number: 11541166
    Abstract: An infusion pump is disclosed. The infusion pump comprises a chamber having a distal end and a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end. A piston is arranged for reciprocating movement within the chamber and along the longitudinal axis. At least one outlet is arranged from the chamber and may comprise an outlet valve. At least one inlet is provided into the chamber. The outlet and the inlet are axially spaced apart along the longitudinal axis of the chamber. A method for operating the pump is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Carucell AB
    Inventor: Morgan Andersson
  • Patent number: 11511290
    Abstract: A flow control device including: a housing including a flow passage extending from an inlet, through the housing to an outlet; a hollow tube within the housing defining a tube passage included in the flow passage of the housing; a valve seat in the housing and disposed between the inlet to the flow passage and an inlet to the tube passage of the hollow tube; and a drain check shuttle within the housing and configured to move reciprocally with respect to both the housing and the hollow tube, wherein the drain check shuttle has: a first position within the housing at which the drain check shuttle abuts the valve seat, and closes a gap between the valve seat and the inlet to the hollow tube; and a second position displaced from the valve seat and which opens the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: NELSON IRRIGATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: Riley D. Greenwood
  • Patent number: 11364372
    Abstract: A check valve for use in a fluid pathway. The check valve may have a diaphragm and a plurality of supports extending from the diaphragm. The check valve and supports have a line of symmetry, and deformation of the check valve as it moves from a closed position to an opened position can be generally along the line of symmetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: ICU MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventor: David Nelson
  • Patent number: 11333260
    Abstract: A junction part having a differential pressure valve (100) for an undersea fluid transport pipe, the valve having a valve body (102) with an internal chamber (106) opening out at one end into the pipe and at another end to the outside, a piston (110) arranged to subdivide the internal chamber into an admission chamber (106a) and a discharge chamber (106b), the piston being movable between an open position where admission chamber and the discharge chamber communicate with each other, and a closed position where the admission chamber and the discharge chamber are scaled from each other, a rating screw (112) screwed into the valve body and including a bore (114) within which there slides a rod (116) of the piston (110), and at least one hole (118) opening out into the discharge chamber and open to the outside, and a spring (120) rated so as to hold the piston in the closed position below a predetermined threshold pressure inside the admission chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Saipem S.A.
    Inventor: François-Régis Pionetti
  • Patent number: 11324939
    Abstract: Valve assemblies having improved ability to selectively control flow of fluids through the catheter and prevent leakage of fluids from the proximal end of a catheter that is positioned within a patient. Such improved catheter valve assemblies also prevent leakage of fluids after repeated insertion and removal of medical instruments through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: I-V Access Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Clint Solomon, Vincent Leskowich, Thomas Sutton, James Hale, Jacob Hentzler
  • Patent number: 11261700
    Abstract: A downhole fluid control apparatus comprises first and second conduits for providing communication between a pressure source and a downhole device, and a valve provided within a housing and configurable between a first configuration in which the first and second conduits are in pressure communication via the valve, and a second configuration in which the first and second conduits are isolated from each other. The apparatus further comprises an actuator for operating the valve. The actuator is in pressure communication with the first and second conduits and with an ambient region external of the apparatus such that when the pressure within each of the first and second conduits is lower than the ambient pressure the valve is configured in its first configuration, and when the pressure within at least one of the first and second conduits exceeds the ambient pressure the valve is configured in its second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Weatherford U.K. Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Reid
  • Patent number: 11198988
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for a work vehicle includes a hydraulic motor configured to generate rotational power for one or more wheels on the work vehicle. The hydraulic system also includes a hydraulic pump coupled to the hydraulic motor, wherein the hydraulic pump is configured to pump hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic motor. The hydraulic system further includes a hydraulic control system with a processor that is configured to receive one or more inputs indicative of a speed of the hydraulic motor and to trigger a calibration protocol in response to determining that the one or more inputs indicate occurrence of an overspeed condition or an underspeed condition. The processor is also configured to set a maximum pump command for the hydraulic pump, a minimum motor volume command for the hydraulic motor, or both based on a calibration factor generated by the calibration protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: Joshua Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 11154875
    Abstract: A pulsating device with two preset pressure-responding normally-closed valves is disclosed. The first valve is used for accumulating fluid. The second valve is used for creating resistance so as to force the first valve to open widely. The second valve may be configured so it creates little to no resistance once opened. In some embodiments, the pulsating device converts a low controlled and/or continuous flow of fluid, such as water and/or air, to a high pulsating and/or intermittent flow. A pulsating device may operate, for example, one or more drip lines, pop ups, sprinklers, misters and/or other irrigation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Pulsating Irrigation Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gideon Ruttenberg
  • Patent number: 11118737
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a gas cylinder valve (2) comprising a body (4) with an inlet (18), an outlet (40) and a passage (20) fluidly interconnecting said inlet and outlet; a shut-off device (22) with a seat (26) formed in the passage (20) and a shutter (24) movable along a longitudinal axis (7) for cooperating with said seat; a spindle (12) rotatably mounted on the body (4) along the longitudinal axis (7) and cooperating with the shutter (24) such as to move said shutter upon rotation of said spindle; a residual pressure device (28) fluidly downstream of the shut-off device (22), with a seat (32) formed in the passage (20) and a piston (30) movable along a transversal axis (38. At least one of the shutter (24) and the piston (30) shows a recess or opening (24.4) accommodating the other of said shutter and piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Luxembourg Patent Company S.A.
    Inventors: Sellen Stephan, Philippe Schmitz
  • Patent number: 10906052
    Abstract: A pressure regulator includes a housing having an inlet cap with an inlet flow passage and an outlet cap with an outlet flow passage. A plunger is reciprocally mounted in the housing. A stationary regulator valve seat is disposed between the inlet flow passage and an inlet to the plunger. A drain check shuttle is disposed in the inlet cap and positioned downstream of the regulator valve seat to prevent water from draining out of the regulator when an inlet water pressure is below a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventor: Riley D. Greenwood
  • Patent number: 10787294
    Abstract: The invention relates to bung plug (10) having an integrated pressure compensation means for arrangement in a container lid of a liquid container, the bung plug (10) having a valve housing (15) below a plug depression (12), the valve housing (15) being provided with air passage openings (39, 40) and having a receiving pin (16) arranged centrically in the valve housing (15) for arranging a valve diaphragm (17) whose diaphragm hub (18) is arranged on the receiving pin (16), a radially outward ring edge (19) of the valve diaphragm (17) being in contact with a ring shoulder (20) of the valve housing (15), the diaphragm hub (18) being arranged between a depression bottom (14) of the plug depression (12) and a lid hub (22) of a surge lid (21) arranged on the receiving pin (16) and provided with air passage openings (39, 40), a surge disk (32) being provided between the surge lid (21) and the valve diaphragm (17), wherein the surge disk (32) and the surge lid (21) are realized as a unit and the surge lid (21) has a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: PROTECHNA S.A.
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Pree
  • Patent number: 10788093
    Abstract: A vibration-damping device (10) of the present invention includes a first attachment member (11), a second attachment member (12), an elastic body (13), and a partition member (16). In the partition member, a restriction passage (24) through which the first liquid chamber (14) and the second liquid chamber (15) communicate with each other is formed. The restriction passage includes a first communicating portion (26) which opens to the first liquid chamber, a second communicating portion (27) which opens to the second liquid chamber, and a main body flow passage (25) through which the first communicating portion and the second communicating portion communicate with each other. At least one of the first communicating portion and the second communicating portion includes a plurality of fine holes (26a) which are disposed in a flow passage direction of the main body flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Ueki, Yuki Satake, Masakazu Nagasawa, Yasuyuki Nagashima, Hideki Sugawara, Shingo Oono
  • Patent number: 10781934
    Abstract: An example solenoid tube of a solenoid actuator for a valve includes: (i) a cylindrical body includes: a first threaded region formed on an exterior peripheral surface of the cylindrical body, and a second threaded region formed on an interior peripheral surface of the cylindrical body; and (ii) a pole piece formed as a protrusion from the interior peripheral surface of the cylindrical body and configured to divide a hollow interior of the cylindrical body into a first chamber and a second chamber, where the pole piece defines a channel therethrough, such that the channel fluidly couples the first chamber to the second chamber, where the first chamber is configured to receive an armature of the solenoid actuator therein, and where the second chamber is configured to a component such as a sensor or a manual actuator therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Sun Hydraulics, LLC
    Inventor: Bernd Zähe
  • Patent number: 10758378
    Abstract: A prosthetic includes a pair of prosthetic members movably coupled together to allow movement of the pair of prosthetic members with respect to one another. A hydraulic actuator or damper including hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic chamber is coupled to one of the pair of prosthetic members. A hydraulic piston is movably disposed in the hydraulic chamber and coupled to another of the pair of prosthetic members. A hydraulic flow channel is fluidly coupled between opposite sides of the chamber to allow hydraulic fluid to move between the opposite sides of the chamber as the hydraulic piston moves therein. A voice coil valve is coupled to the hydraulic flow channel to vary resistance to flow of hydraulic fluid through the flow channel, and thus movement of the piston in the chamber, and thus influencing a rate of movement of the pair of prosthetic members with respect to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Freedom Innovations, LLC
    Inventors: Wilson Steele, Michael Palmer, Stephen Prince, Charlie Bisbee, Henry Hsu
  • Patent number: 10711915
    Abstract: A pulse valve assembly including a main valve and two pilot valves. The main valve includes a main valve body, main valve bore, and main valve spool. The main valve body includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and a pressure chamber at one end of the main valve bore. A first pilot valve selectively supplies pressurized fluid to the second pilot valve depending on the position of a poppet, which is controlled by a solenoid. A second pilot valve includes a spool that is driven by pressurized fluid from the first pilot valve. The second pilot valve selectively supplies pressurized fluid to the pressure chamber in the main valve causing the main valve spool to move towards the open or closed position. When the main valve spool is in the open position, pressurized fluid can flow through the main valve from the inlet port to the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: MAC Valves, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Neff, Matthew Neff, Jeff Simmonds, Eric Janssen, Joseph Richardson
  • Patent number: 10578185
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a cylinder in which a working fluid is sealed, a piston rod movable into and out of the cylinder, the piston rod extending from the cylinder, a piston disposed inside the cylinder, the piston being configured to partition a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber, and a choke portion formed by penetration of a seamless choke passage, the seamless choke passage being configured to allow the first fluid chamber to communicate with the second fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: KYB Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Takamatsu
  • Patent number: 10544852
    Abstract: A damping valve includes a valve disc, a ring-shaped leaf valve, and a biasing mechanism. The valve disc includes a passage and a valve seat. The valve seat surrounds an exit end of the passage. The leaf valve is stacked on the valve disc. The leaf valve separates from and is seated on the valve seat to open and close the passage. The biasing mechanism causes a variable biasing force to act on the leaf valve to the valve disc side. The entire leaf valve is configured to axially retreat with respect to the valve disc. A clearance is formed between the leaf valve and the valve seat in a state in which the leaf valve is stacked on the valve disc with no load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: KYB Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Inagaki, Atsushi Sakuta
  • Patent number: 10507313
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide an apparatus, system method for treating neurological conditions by delivering solid form medication to the ventricles or other areas of the brain. Particular embodiments provide an apparatus and method for treating epilepsy and other neurological conditions by delivering solid form medication to ventricles in the brain wherein the medication is contained in a diffusion chamber so as to allow the medication to dissolve in the cerebrospinal fluid of the brain and then diffuse out of the diffusion chamber to be delivered to the ventricles and brain tissue. In one or more embodiments, portions of apparatus have sufficient flexibility to conform to the shape of the ventricles of the brain when advanced into them and/or to not cause deformation of the ventricle sufficient to cause a significant physiologic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: InCube Labs, LLC
    Inventors: Mir Imran, Phillip Morgan, Ben Tranchina, Paul Spehr, Kyle Horlen
  • Patent number: 10480229
    Abstract: A rotary hinge assembly includes a fluid chamber filled with a fluid and a constricted section with a throat area which is tunable by a throat tuner to control the fluid flow passing through the constricted section. Within the fluid chamber, a rotary connecting pin is mounted so that a first longitudinal end of the pin is connected to a door, and a second longitudinal end of the pin is concentrically and rotatably mounted within the fluid chamber. On the second longitudinal end, a vane is connected and adapted to rotate for displacing the fluid present in the fluid chamber towards the constricted section, when the rotary connecting pin undergoes the rotational movement in response to opening and closing of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: S. Vinoth Kannan
  • Patent number: 10428895
    Abstract: A valve mechanism includes a housing, a plate-shaped valve body, a valve positioning member, and a drive valve moving mechanism. The valve positioning member causes the valve body to face the valve seat via a predetermined gap with respect to the valve seat. The drive valve moving mechanism causes the gap between an inner circumference of the valve body and the valve seat to be variable by moving the drive valve in a direction of approaching the valve seat and elastically deforming the valve body in a direction that the inner circumference of the valve body approaches the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Showa Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Miwa, Yosuke Murakami
  • Patent number: 10369312
    Abstract: A method of sealing a trachea is provided that includes inserting a tracheal tube having an inflatable cuff made of a compliant material into a trachea. The method includes inflating the inflatable cuff with a fluid to a first pressure that exceeds a second pressure necessary to create a seal between the inflatable cuff and the tracheal wall. The method includes deflating the inflatable cuff by releasing a first pressure to allow the fluid to flow out of the inflatable cuff without applying vacuum pressure to the fluid while evaluating a rate of change of pressure of the fluid in the inflatable cuff. The method includes identifying a variance in the rate of change of pressure corresponding to a third pressure at which the inflatable cuff separates from the tracheal wall, determining the second pressure by analyzing the third pressure, and reinflating the inflatable cuff to the second pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Steven L. Pendleton, Jeffrey D. Williams, Gary L. Neff
  • Patent number: 10364941
    Abstract: Pressurized gas bottles with integrated valves, in which a plurality of functional supports are integrated in an extraction unit, are equipped with complex fall protection means. Moreover, in such a valve, a new approval procedure is carried out for the entire valve in the event of multiple modifications, for example when supplementing it with an additional function. In order to reduce the effort associated with this, an extraction fitting for a pressurized gas bottle is provided with a modular design, wherein a base module comprising the shut-off member and a fall protection device securing the shut-off member complies with legal requirements regarding fall protection and the shut-off device of the pressurized gas bottle. All further functionalities of the extraction fitting are integrated in at least one additional module, which is connected to the base module in a fixed but removable manner and without impairing the fall safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Messer GasPack GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Kriese
  • Patent number: 10359123
    Abstract: A fluid pressure regulator includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a valve assembly disposed in the housing, and one or more check valves disposed within the housing. The one or more check valves may be closed when a regulator inlet pressure is greater than a regulator output pressure. When the regulator output pressure is greater than the regulator input pressure, the one or more check valves may open and flow may occur from the outlet of the fluid regulator to the inlet of the fluid regulator, even if the valve assembly is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: James W. Reinholdt, Arthur Gryszkiewicz
  • Patent number: 10253839
    Abstract: Damping valve having a damping valve body with at least one passage channel between two cover sides. An outlet opening of the passage channel leads into a cover-side annular channel which is limited by an outer annular valve support surface and by an inner annular valve support surface, the at least one annular valve support surface for at least one valve disk has a substantially constant width along the circumference, and the annular channel has a varying width along the circumference, and at least one valve support surface has a varying radius of curvature along the circumference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Guido Holtmann, Achim Eich, Jürgen Henrichs, Jörg Rösseler, Aleksander Knezevic
  • Patent number: 10226972
    Abstract: A pressure medium supply device for a tire of a wheel unit, a wheel unit, and a valve arrangement for a rotationally fixed transition of a pressure medium supply device for a wheel unit are provided. The valve arrangement has a housing part through which a pressure medium can flow, a control piston, in particular an axially movable control piston which is received on the housing part, and a discharge element with an outlet for conducting the pressure medium. The housing part and the discharge element are received in a rotatable manner relative to each other. The control piston has a flow channel for the pressure medium, has a force application surface to which the pressure medium can be applied, and can be moved between a disengaged position and an engaged position. A pressure medium line can be established between the housing part and the discharge element in the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: GV ENGINEERING GMBH
    Inventors: Julia Tsiberidou, Konstantinos Tsiberidis, Klemens Grosse-Vehne
  • Patent number: 10227767
    Abstract: A flexible check valve for fluid-handling systems that prevents reverse flow but allows downstream flow of fluid comprises a dome that fits within a pipe and includes a concave surface. The flexible check valve further includes a flexible seat that fits within the pipe and includes a. convex surface. The flexible seat is deformable from a closed position, that prevents reverse flow, to an open position, that allows downstream flow, when an upstream pressure acts on the flexible seat and exceeds a downstream pressure and when, in the closed position, the concave surface of the dome is oriented downstream and the convex surface of the flexible seat is oriented upstream. A housing is connected to the dome and the flexible seat and is connectable to the pipe. A seal is formed between the concave surface and the convex surface when the flexible check valve is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Tide Stop LLC
    Inventor: Steven Michael Hirsch
  • Patent number: 10221912
    Abstract: A hydraulic damping device includes a first cylinder that houses oil, a piston rod that moves in an axial direction of the first cylinder, and a piston section that generates a damping force by a movement of the piston rod. The piston section includes a piston body formed with an oil channel through which oil flows, a base valve that opens and closes the oil channel of the piston body, a ring-shaped ring valve that is provided on the base valve, and a preload spring that has a positioning section that extends radially and determines a position of the ring valve in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: SHOWA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Nomura, Akiko Shibasaki
  • Patent number: 10216202
    Abstract: In a pressure regulating valve, a piston is provided, in an end on a side closer to a seat, with a recessed portion opening on the side closer to the seat, a valve element including: a tip portion contactable with the seat; a columnar retaining part inserted in the recessed portion; and a press-fit portion protruding radially outward from an outer peripheral surface of the retaining part and being press-fitted in an inner peripheral surface of the recessed portion. The press-fit portion has a spherical shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masahiro Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10173815
    Abstract: A discharge head for a fluid container, including a discharge opening and a switching valve which closes and opens a fluid path between the fluid container and the discharge opening. The discharge head has an inner component fixedly connected to a fluid store and an outer component movable relative to the inner component and non-separably connected thereto. The outer component is moved relative to the inner component between a first relative closure position and a second relative open position. The switching valve is opened and closed by movement of the inner component relative to the outer component, is closed in the first position and open in the second position. The inner and outer components are locked in the first position by a child-resistant mechanism, and displacement of the outer component from the first position into the second position is prevented in a locking position of the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: APTAR RADOLFZELL GMBH
    Inventors: Juergen Greiner-Perth, Pia Meinel, Guenter Nadler
  • Patent number: 10166369
    Abstract: A lavage catheter for the treatment of a maxillary sinus is described. The catheter comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion comprises an irrigation tip. The irrigation tip has a tip opening through which fluid may be delivered by one handed operation of the catheter. A method for lavaging the maxillary sinus includes inserting the lavage catheter into a patient's anatomy and advancing the irrigation tip into the maxillary sinus using one hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Jenkins, Jessica Liberatore, Sandra W. Ruggles, Jessica K. Chan
  • Patent number: 10112133
    Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filter element, a cap, and a base seal. The filter element has a first end, a second end, an outer surface, and an inside passage. The cap is affixed to the first end. The cap has a cap perimeter configured to mate with an opening of a filter housing. The base seal is disposed at the second end. The base seal has an outlet port in cooperative alignment with the inside passage. The base seal is configured to seal the outlet port to a housing outlet and the base seal is configured to seal a housing drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryant Morris, Mark McElroy
  • Patent number: 10106394
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser with a variable pressure regulator cap assembly that includes a high pressure cavity defined by a cap body. The high pressure cavity receives pressurized gas from a compressed gas reservoir. A low pressure cavity is connected to the high pressure cavity via a high pressure gas passageway. The low pressure cavity defines a low pressure gas passageway that penetrates the cap body. A piston seat is positioned on a high pressure cavity side of the high pressure gas passageway. A piston regulates introduction of the pressurized gas into the high pressure gas passageway. A diaphragm is positioned between an ambient pressure cavity and the low pressure cavity and translates the piston relative to the piston seat. A main spring is positioned between a diaphragm and a spring hat. Rotation of the drive screw translates the spring hat to affect compression of the main spring against the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: GrowlerWerks, Inc.
    Inventors: Evan Christopher Rege, Donald Christian Maier, Shawn Leland Huff, Brian Edwards Sonnichsen
  • Patent number: 10100930
    Abstract: A highly flexible sealing arrangement designed to seal high-temperature furnace ports, particularly the electrode port of an electric furnace. The seal comprises an annular support member fixed to a flexible sealing member and employs the use of a garter spring to uniformly apply the desired amount of seal compression. The arrangement and flexibility of the sealing member allows the seal to adapt itself to the wide range of operating and upset conditions that typically exist for a furnace electrode seal. Frictional wear on the seal may be greatly reduced as the design inherently allows for a much lower amount of seal compression to be applied, furthermore, the seal is able to move axially which can significantly reduce wear caused by electrode regulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: HATCH LTD.
    Inventor: Stephen D. Haley
  • Patent number: 9945284
    Abstract: A thermostatic valve to connect a heat source, in particular a gear drive, with a heat exchanger, particularly a motor vehicle. The thermostatic valve having a thermostatic valve housing with a first inlet connection for a first inlet port and a second inlet connection for a second inlet port, as well as a first outlet connection for a first outlet port and a second outlet connection for a second outlet port. The thermostatic valve further including a moveable working element in an intake opening of the thermostatic valve housing to open and close the inlet and outlet ports and a separate restriction element provided in the thermostatic valve housing between the first inlet connection and the first outlet connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Auweder, Stefan Beurer
  • Patent number: 9933079
    Abstract: A pressure activated valve for medical applications comprises a housing having a lumen extending therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end thereof and a flow control membrane extending across the lumen to control flow therethrough, the flow control membrane including a mounting portion at which the flow control membrane is coupled to the housing and a lumen occluding portion having a slit extending therethrough so that, when the lumen occluding portion is subjected to a pressure of at least a predetermined threshold level, the lumen occluding portion moves from a closed configuration in which flow through the lumen is prevented to an open configuration in which flow is permitted and wherein a thickness of the mounting portion is greater than a thickness of the lumen occluding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: AngioDynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Karla Weaver, Paul DiCarlo
  • Patent number: 9902536
    Abstract: The disclosure may generally relate to a tank which may include a fluid portion and an expansion portion which may be disposed below the fluid portion. Moreover, a three seal pressure relief cap may be constructed and arranged to allow a user to safely remove the pressure relief cap at any temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Toledo Molding & Die, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Ramus, Robert F. Olsen
  • Patent number: 9772632
    Abstract: A bypass valve for thermally regulating a fluid flow in two directions by opening and closing a bypass fluid flow between the two directions. An example of application of such a bypass valve is for regulating the flow of engine coolant fluid between a vehicle engine and a heat-exchange system for cooling down the engine coolant. The bypass valve includes a housing inside which a first port, a second port, a bypass port and a barrier assembly are arranged. The barrier assembly is movable with respect to the bypass port, so that it can open or close the port depending on fluid temperature. In addition, the barrier assembly is arranged external to the first and second ports, so that it does not interfere with fluid passing through them. The bypass valve therefore provides substantially constant fluid pressure in the first and second ports, avoiding pressure drops associated with conventional bypass valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Richard Michael Ihns
  • Patent number: 9683706
    Abstract: Provided is a Cylinder Valve capable of switching a fluid sealing state to a fluid releasing state or vice versa with certainty and also capable of preventing a flow noise from being caused when the fluid is released. A Cylinder Valve—includes a Residual pressure Valve mechanism located in a Residual pressure Valve mechanism insertion space formed in a flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: NERIKI VALVE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shinji Maekawa
  • Patent number: 9643834
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for automated intake and discharge of fluids to and from specified inclusion zones at a drilling site and related sites. A surface map is annotated with shapes designating at least inclusion zones for managed control of permitted intake and discharge of fluids to and from permitted zones. For specified water sources, the inclusion zone is a loading zone associated with specified conditions and another inclusion zone is an unloading zone also having specified conditions. A control system in a vehicle uses the annotated map and GPS to assist the operator of the vehicle avoid restricted intake from and discharge to restricted zones and limit volumes and rates based on monitored parameters. Records are maintained to confirm the fluid, fluid location and volumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Summit Liability Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Russel Lloyd Orcutt, Jason Pecht, Kyle Laturnus, Corey Kenneth McAllister
  • Patent number: 9610838
    Abstract: An apparatus and system are disclosed for a fuel receiver. The apparatus includes a base having an inlet and an outlet that defines an interior channel through which fluid is flowable. The apparatus also includes a first valve movable relative to the base between a closed position and an open position allowing fluid flow through the inlet. The apparatus also includes a second valve independently movable relative to the base and the first valve, the second valve movable between a closed position and an open position allowing fluid flow through the inlet. The system includes the apparatus, and a fluid reservoir or tank in fluid communication with the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Flomax International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Paul Ballard, Carl Paul Ballard, John Trent Kendrick
  • Patent number: 9494242
    Abstract: A connecting structure includes housing, a first fixing member, a second fixing member, a sealing member, and an elastic member. A stepped hole is defined on the housing, and includes a first vent, a second vent, and a third vent communicating with each other. A diameter of the second vent is gradually decreased from the first vent toward the third vent, thereby forming a resisting surface on a periphery of the second vent. The first fixing member and the second fixing member are mounted on opposite ends of the housing. The sealing member includes a sealing portion with an exhaust opening. The sealing member is received in the first and second vents, and resisting against the first fixing member. The exhaust opening communicates with the first and second vents. The elastic member is received in the third vent, and resisting between the second fixing member and the sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignees: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: She Xiong, Bing Li
  • Patent number: 9469190
    Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank system is disclosed in which a vent tank is provided with an additional ullage vent for use, in combination with an eternal flame barrier means, when refuelling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Christopher Lynas, Peter William James, Keith MacGregor
  • Patent number: 9458003
    Abstract: A multi-port cap adapter for a liquid dispensing system is disclosed including a liquid container which supplies liquid to a draw-off mechanism. A cap is removably mounted on the container for selectively closing the outlet opening thereof with the cap having an opening formed therein. A top housing is positioned on the cap with a portion thereof extending downwardly into the cap. The top housing includes take-off members which extend to a draw-off mechanism such as a mixing machine, etc. A flexible, low-profile valve is associated with each of the take-off members. Each of the valves includes a dome-shaped diaphragm having a normally closed slit formed therein. When sufficient vacuum pressure is subjected to the take-off member, the associated valve opens to permit liquid to flow from the container through the valve and outwardly from the associated take-off member to the draw-off mechanism associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: Rodney Laible
  • Patent number: 9451803
    Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole. The article of footwear also includes an outer surface defined on the upper or the sole. Moreover, the article of footwear includes a chamber wall operably coupled to one of the upper and the sole. The chamber wall defines at least a portion of a chamber operable to hold a vacuum for at least partially conforming the footwear to the foot of the wearer. Moreover, the footwear includes a valve including a passage that extends through the chamber wall to be in selective fluid communication with the chamber. The valve is operable to provide suction to draw the vacuum within the chamber. The valve is partially defined by an outer rim, and the outer rim is flush with the outer surface or recessed inward from the outer surface toward the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. Smith
  • Patent number: 9441699
    Abstract: A shock absorber for a vehicle includes a pressure tube that defines a fluid chamber. A piston disposed within the fluid chamber divides the fluid chamber into an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber. The piston defines a compression passage and a rebound passage which extend through the piston between the upper working chamber and the lower working chamber. A valve disc assembly engages the piston and controls the flow of fluid between the upper working chamber and the lower working chamber. The valve disc assembly includes a bleed disc that defines an orifice with a substantially non-linear contour. The orifice extends to an outer diameter of the bleed disc, and forms a bleed channel between the upper working chamber and the lower working chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Lawler, Chad Rummel, Elizabeth Robbins, Daniel T. Keil, Jeroen K. Paenhuysen, John McGahey, Dajun Zhang
  • Patent number: 9415645
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a central tire inflation system is provided. The valve assembly includes a first housing having a first port connected to a second port via a cavity. The second port is in fluid communication with a wheel assembly. A biasing member is disposed in the cavity adjacent a first perforation formed in the first housing. A valve member is contacted by the biasing member. The valve member includes a first portion having an outer surface which is unbroken adjacent an end to allow a pressurized fluid to flow around it. The first portion reduces in diameter toward the end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Lloyd G. Racine, Jason M. Sidders, Pheng Lee, Lucas A. Balistreri