Axes Of Ports Co-axial Patents (Class 137/493.9)
  • Patent number: 8225811
    Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the removal of moisture from a compressed air tank has a tank with an interior volume, a tubular member positioned in communication with the tank and having an end adjacent the bottom of the tank, an air compressor interconnected to the tubular member for passing compressed air into the interior volume of the tank, a check valve positioned at an opposite end of the tubular member, a head pressure relief valve in communication with the tubular member, and a pressure switch cooperatively connected to the air compressor. The pressure switch opens the head pressure relief valve when an air pressure in the tank reaches a desired level so as to cause air and water in the tank to pass through the tubular member. The check valve serves to stop the passing of air and water after a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Max Lieber
  • Patent number: 8191570
    Abstract: The invention provides a valve assembly comprising a conduit with a bore 1b for passage of fluid therethrough. The valve assembly also comprises a sealing member that is movable within the conduit to open and close the bore. The seal assembly has a valve seat on which the sealing member seals when the bore is closed, and wherein the valve seat is movable within the conduit. The invention also provides a valve assembly comprising a sealing member, a first valve seat for the sealing member, and a second valve seat for the sealing member. The valve assemblies can be resettable. The invention further provides a flapper valve assembly wherein the flapper is pivotable through more than 90° and a bi-directional flapper valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Petrowell Limited
    Inventor: Daniel Purkis
  • Patent number: 8171953
    Abstract: Particular embodiments of the present invention include devices and methods for relieving excess pressure or vacuum pressure from a tank interior. An embodiment of a pressure relief device includes a housing having an opening associated with a first end, an opening associated with a second end, and an over-pressure opening. The device further including a pressure relief valve for selectively relieving pressure from a tank, the valve including an over-pressure opening seal biased by a first pressure bias means against a pressure valve seat associated with the over-pressure opening. The device also including a guide block translatable in an axial direction of a second bore of the housing and being biased toward the pressure valve seat by a second pressure bias means. The guide block is translatable independent of the over-pressure opening seal. The device also includes a vacuum relief valve for selectively relieving vacuum pressure in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Betts Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Adams, Patrick J. Lund, Craig E. Culbertson
  • Patent number: 8132558
    Abstract: A high pressure piston fuel pump having a discharge check valve between the pumping chamber and a pressurized fuel reservoir and a pressure relief valve between the fuel reservoir and a passageway in the housing, wherein the discharge check valve and the pressure relief valve are contained within a single fitting assembly affixed at the pump housing. A first end flow passage is in fluid communication with the pumping chamber and provides an inlet to the discharge check valve and an outlet from the pressure relief valve. A second end flow passage is in fluid communication with the fuel reservoir and provides an outlet for the discharge check valve and an inlet for the pressure relief valve. Advantages include the ability to pre-test the outlet check and pressure relief prior to assembly into the pump housing, and improved flexibility of the outlet fitting location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Stanadyne Corporation
    Inventors: Robert G. Lucas, Ilija Djordjevic
  • Patent number: 8127910
    Abstract: A frictional engagement assembly for an automotive device, including: at least one frictionally engageable plate; a first piston plate displaceable in a first axial direction to urge the at least one frictionally engageable plate into frictional contact; a first resilient element engaged with the first piston plate and urging the first piston plate in a second axial direction substantially opposite the first axial direction; a check valve controlling fluid flow to displace the first piston plate; and an accumulator. As fluid from a chamber, at least partially formed by the first piston plate, discharges through the check valve, the accumulator controls fluid volume in the chamber to maintain a distal portion of the first piston plate, urging the at least one frictionally engageable plate into frictional contact, in a furthest position in the first axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hemphill, Philip George, Ross A. Gresley
  • Patent number: 7997296
    Abstract: An outdoor lighting device includes a housing, at least one power supply device and at least one arrayed lighting unit. The housing has a surface forming at least one reflection zone and the reflection zone includes a lens. The power supply device is arranged inside the housing and has a grounding terminal connected to the housing. The power supply device receives and converts an alternate current power into an output of direct current power. The arrayed lighting unit includes plural arrays of lighting elements and a light-transmitting protection layer. The arrayed lighting unit is arranged inside the housing at a location corresponding to the lens and is connected to the power supply device, whereby the power supply device provides the arrayed lighting unit with the direct current power to energize the arrayed lighting unit to give off light that is reflected by the reflection zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Ming Teng
  • Patent number: 7931452
    Abstract: A compressor has a suction throttle valve, which includes a suction passage, a suction port, a valve body, an urging member, a valve chamber, a first communication hole, a closing valve and a valve seat. The closing valve closes the hole of the valve body by pressure difference between the valve chamber and the suction port. The valve seat limits movement of the closing valve toward the suction port. The hole of the valve body is closed when the closing valve is in contact with the valve body, and open when the closing valve is in contact with the valve seat. A communication passage is formed in the closing valve or the valve seat, which enables communication between the hole of the valve body and the suction port when the closing valve is in contact with the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Sokichi Hibino, Shiro Hayashi, Masaki Ota
  • Patent number: 7743787
    Abstract: A mud saver valve for retaining drilling fluid in the Kelly of a rotary drilling rig for insertion into a Kelly sub with an enlarged opening inside having a valve and hollow piston closing the flow in a first position and having flow through when the hollow piston is moved by flow against a spring to an open position compressing a spring to stack height, the spring being magnetized to provide magnetic latching to assist in holding the hollow piston in the open position at flow rates lower than it would otherwise be held open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: CMV
    Inventor: Benton Frederick Baugh
  • Publication number: 20090308062
    Abstract: A hydraulic steering system has a steering linkage and an actuator actuating the steering linkage. Pressurized hydraulic fluid can be fed to the actuator and removed from the actuator through a return pipe. A device installed into the return pipe counteracts volume flow pulsations by damming up the hydraulic fluid return flow. The device dams up the hydraulic fluid only in the event of an occurrence of a volume flow pulsation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas BOOTZ, Torsten Verkoyen
  • Patent number: 7574860
    Abstract: A damper valve includes first and second chambers separated by a partition wall, hydraulic oil flowing from the first chamber to the second chamber via a supply path, and returning to the first chamber from the second chamber via a return path. A valve plate that is elastically deformable is urged toward a valve seat formed in the return path. The valve plate produces an elasticity restoring force so as to establish a balance between an urging force provided by an urging member and a reaction force provided by the valve plate, and is in line-contact with the valve seat when keeping the balance. The valve seat or the valve plate is formed into a conical tapered shape centered around the predetermined axis so that when the valve plate is abutted against the valve seat, an annular oil chamber is formed between the valve seat and the valve plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: Osamu Okabe
  • Patent number: 7530469
    Abstract: An underpressure-activated valve device for a drinking container (32). The device consists of an outer membrane (2) and an inner membrane (4) that are placed at an axial distance from one another, and their peripheral attachment areas are pressure-sealingly interconnected, causing a reference pressure chamber (6) having at least one vent (8) to an ambient pressure P1 to exist between the membranes (2, 4). One membrane (2, 4) is fixedly connected to a flow pipe (10), and the other membrane (4, 2) is provided with a membrane opening (12) within which the pipe (10) is movably arranged. The membrane opening (12) is associated with a primary sealing body (18) for sealing against fluid flow via the pipe (10), and with a secondary sealing body (16) for sealing between the chamber (6) and an internal pressure P3 in the container (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: SmartSeal AS
    Inventor: Kjetil Naesje
  • Patent number: 7527070
    Abstract: A method for controlling fluid flow through a passageway includes slidably disposing a piston having a conduit that reduces the flow area through the passageway in the passageway and selectively closing the conduit of the piston by moving at least one of the piston and a plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Brennan, III, Edward Harrigan, Christopher S. Del Campo
  • Patent number: 7481320
    Abstract: One advantageous embodiment of the invention is a filter device (10) for filtering a fluid and providing three or more substantially continuous directions of flow therethrough. The filter device (10) includes a housing (12) having an entry port (18) and an exit port (20). The housing (12) has a filter medium (22) disposed therein for filtering the fluid that flows along a filtration-flow direction (24a) from the entry port (18) to the exit port (20). The filter medium (22) has a bi-directional valve (28) coupled thereto for selectively directing the fluid along a bypass-flow direction (24b) and a reverse-flow direction (24c) that is generally opposite to said bypass-flow direction (24b). The bypass-flow direction (24b) extends from the entry port (18) to the exit port (20) in bypass of the filter medium (22). Also, the reverse-flow direction (24c) extends from the exit port (20) to the entry port (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: NTZ Nederland BV
    Inventors: Kirk J. Ciak, Wilhelmus Petrus Maria Schaerlaeckens
  • Patent number: 7438081
    Abstract: A valve for an inflatable includes both inflation/deflation and pressure release functions. The valve has a housing which receives a core, a spring, and a nut. The nut is threadably received by the core and slidably received by the housing, and holds the core and spring in place within the housing. The inflation function includes a one way valve, and the release pressure of the pressure release function may both be adjusted and disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Xing Chen
  • Patent number: 7401623
    Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a charge pump which supplies fluid to variable displacement main pump, a fluid reservoir and valve unit. The valve unit includes a hollow housing having a first end communicated with the reservoir and a second end communicated with the charge pump and the main pump. A housing valve land member is located between the first and second ends. A valve member is movably mounted in the housing. The valve member has a valve disk attached to first and second valve stems which project from opposite sides of the valve disk. The valve disk has a central position wherein the valve disk is received by the ring. The valve stems are slidably supported by stem support members at opposite ends of the housing. A hollow sleeve projects from an end of the valve unit. A spring is mounted in the sleeve and is engagable with an end of one of the valve stems and is biased to urge the valve member away from the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Phillip S. Roe, Robert Clayton Emmert
  • Patent number: 7392823
    Abstract: Improvement in a combination valve including check valve and pressure relief valve portions for regulating fluid flow pressure and direction in a hydraulic circuit, wherein a valve seat includes, in addition to a central aperture, a plurality of peripherally-spaced axial cross-port orifice holes, of same or differing diameter and a plurality of intersecting, circumferentially-spaced, radial, semicircular holes; a spring cap including four adjoining axial portions of differing outer diameters, with a first portion being a protrusion that locates an end of a relief valve compression spring, a second portion having flat outer tool locating surfaces used for rotating the spring cap for axial adjustment relative to a valve stem, a third portion having a reduced radial wall thickness for easy crimping thereof relative to a valve stem, and a fourth portion having a coaxial recess for centering and physically retaining one end portion of a check valve compression spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Xingen Dong, Albert C. Ellenburg, Frank P. Holzschuh
  • Patent number: 7389791
    Abstract: A backflow preventer (1) having a mounting housing (2) that is inserted into a fluid conduit (3) is provide and includes at least one sealing ring (4) which is supported within an annular groove (5) located on the outer circumference of the mounting housing (2) and has a sealing effect between the mounting housing (2) and the fluid conduit (3). The backflow preventer provides that the sealing ring (4) can be moved counter to a restoring force from a sealing position into a leakage position so as to compensate pressure when the backflow preventer (1) is closed and a fluid volume is sealed on the outflow side, thereby conteracting an excessive increase in internal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Neoperl GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Fangmeier
  • Patent number: 7363940
    Abstract: A generally cylindrical restrictor insert for containing an axially movable, apertured restrictive member, housed in a flow control distributor housing of an orifice expansion device used for bi-directionally-flowing pressurized fluid, with a housing passageway being closed off via an annular adaptor flange also having an internal filter, the restrictor insert having a central axial through bore with a plurality of adjoining bore portions defining a central bore cavity, the restrictor insert also having a leading portion, with a frusto-conical front end surface, and intermediate and trailing portions, the latter having a shoulder portion and an annular end face, the restrictive member being located and axially freely movable within a distributor housing central bore cavity, with the restrictor insert, in turn being located, via slip-fit insertion, in a distributor housing central passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Joseph Oberley, Dean J. Groff
  • Patent number: 7360556
    Abstract: A check valve is provided, including a first hose connector housing defining an entry passage and a first valve seat, a second hose connector housing engaging the first hose connector housing and defining an exit passage, a generally flexible, perforate membrane disk positioned between the first and second hose connector housings and pretensioned against the first valve seat to selectively sealingly separate the first and second hose connector housings, and a one-way relief valve fluidly connected with the exit passage and configured to permit venting of the exit passage upon overpressurization thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Filtertek Inc.
    Inventor: Jan W. M. Mijers
  • Patent number: 7343927
    Abstract: A closing body (3) which is mounted in a housing (2) in such a way that it can be axially displaced and can be pressed out of an opening position against a valve seat (4) into a closing position. The closing body (3) is rotationally symmetrical and includes, on its outer diameter (D1) in relation to its cross-section, two outer wall sections (5, 5?) which meet at an angle of less than 180°. In this way, a surrounding interference edge (26) is formed, favouring turbulence in the flow and thus a rapid increase in the dynamic pressure. When the closing body is embodied as a hollow body, a spring action also occurs, damping the closing movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Rico Sicherheistechnik AG
    Inventor: Juerg Zellweger
  • Patent number: 7318592
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a steering damper (10) in which the interior of a cylinder (12) is divided into two oil chambers (A), (B) by a piston (14) which slides in the cylinder (12) as a steering operation takes place, an oil hole (15) is formed in the piston (14) for providing a communication between the two oil chambers (A), (B) and a bypass passageway (16) is provided for allowing oil in one (A or B) of the oil chambers to flow into the other oil chamber (B or A) by bypassing the oil hole (15), the motorcycle steering damper being characterized in that a subsidiary chamber (17) is defined at an intermediate position along the length of the bypass passageway (16), and in that a check ball (18) is provided in the subsidiary chamber (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tadamitsu Iwamoto, Takafumi Fujimori
  • Publication number: 20080000255
    Abstract: A bi-directional flow control device utilizes a single moveable restrictor housed within a cartridge, the piston having a first position wherein the piston orifice provides a smallest diameter flow path through the cartridge, and a second position wherein a cartridge orifice provides a smallest diameter flow path through the cartridge. In one embodiment the device utilizes an anti-rattle mechanism for reducing rattle of the piston within the internal chamber of the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventor: SHAWN T. WILSON
  • Patent number: 7302966
    Abstract: A flow control valve includes a body having a fluid passageway therethrough and first and second openings each adapted for receiving or discharging fluid from the passageway. A piston is slidably disposed in the passageway between the first and second openings of the body. The piston has a conduit portion that defines a bore therethrough for conducting fluid through a portion of the passageway. The bore has a reduced flow area. A plug is carried within the body and is equipped with one or more annular seals for sealably engaging the reduced flow area of piston bore so as to close the bore upon translatory movement of the piston, the plug, or a combination thereof. The flow control valve has particular application in downhole tools for communicating fluid into, out of, or through the downhole tool when disposed in a subsurface borehole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: William E. Brennan, III, Edward Harrigan, Christopher S. Del Campo
  • Patent number: 7243676
    Abstract: A combination valve including a valve body having an inverted bi-directional valve portion and an umbrella portion is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a combination valve includes a valve body with a substantially cylindrical portion defining a flow path, a resilient umbrella valve portion extending annularly from the valve body and an inverted bi-directional valve portion provided in the flow path. The inverted bi-directional valve portion includes an interior surface, an exterior surface and at least one normally closed slit extending therebetween, wherein the exterior surface of the inverted bi-directional valve portion includes a generally concave curved portion when the slit is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Vernay Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: James Christopher Bailey
  • Patent number: 7240676
    Abstract: A tracheotomy valve unit for use with a tracheotomy tube inserted into a patient's trachea comprises a first end for connection to the tracheotomy tube, a second end comprising a valve unit inlet, a first valve that permits airflow to the tube when the patient inhales and blocks airflow from the tube when the patient exhales thereby permitting speech, and a second valve that permits airflow from the tube back out the valve unit when the intrathoracic pressure during expiration is greater than about 12 cm of water. The second valve functions as a pressure release valve that increases tolerance and wearing comfort. In one embodiment, the second valve comprises a slit valve or an umbrella valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Children's Hospital Medical Center
    Inventor: Michael John Rutter
  • Patent number: 7204268
    Abstract: The invention relates to an internal pressure equilibrium adjustment device for airtight space with rapid operation and simple structure. The invention comprises of a pipe 8 which is mounted on the wall 9 of airtight space and has a plurality of holes 81 at the periphery, a case 7 which surrounds the external periphery of the pipe 8 and has a plurality of holes 71 on the wall, a first port 3 which is formed at one end of the case 7, a first ring 4 which is provided above the first port 3, a second port 5 which is formed at the partition wall 12 of the case 7, and a second ring 6 which is provided above the second port 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Busung Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong Sam Jin
  • Patent number: 7201183
    Abstract: A valve arrangement in a hydraulic circuit comprises a longitudinal duct 3 and a transverse duct 2. A throttle slide 10 can be displaced in the direction of the longitudinal duct 3. Arranged in the throttle slide 10 is a valve piston 25, by means of which the flow through the hollow throttle slide 10 can be enabled or blocked. The flow of hydraulic fluid takes place through two groups of passage holes 33a, 35a, which are arranged in the throttle slide 10. The interaction of pressure and flow direction of the hydraulic fluid, and also the restoring force of a slide spring 20 and a piston spring 30, achieves a situation where hydraulic fluid can flow through the valve arrangement in both directions but that a throttling action occurs only when the hydraulic fluid flows from the transfer duct 2 to the longitudinal duct 3 under increased pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss, Inc.
    Inventor: Reinhardt Thoms
  • Patent number: 7171977
    Abstract: A combination or hybrid pressure relief and topping valve for use with inflatable devices such as life rafts and escape slides. The valve including a valve body with a fluid passage therein that includes an internal shoulder. The valve further includes a first poppet with a seal seated therein where the first poppet is biased against the shoulder by a first spring. The first poppet and seal further having an aperture therein. The valve also includes a second poppet biased into the aperture by a second spring. The combination of poppets, springs and the seal provide for a neutral mode where the valve is sealed, a topping mode where fluid is allowed to pass through the valve and into an inflatable device sealed to one end of the valve, and a pressure relief mode where fluid is released from the inflatable device to the atmosphere when overpressure within the inflatable device exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Lloyd Wass, Bob Venne
  • Patent number: 7159606
    Abstract: The invention relates to a storage reservoir for receiving grease or a like lubricant for a lubricant pump with a, for example, cylindrical side wall and a cover wall closing off a reservoir interior space at a top of the side wall. A pressure compensation device is disposed such that the reservoir interior space is flow-connected with a reservoir exterior space via an air-permeable but water-impermeable membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Lincoln GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Zdravko Paluncic, Andreas Schönfeld
  • Patent number: 7121267
    Abstract: An integrated pressure management apparatus, system and method for minimizing resonance of a poppet. A housing defines a fluid communication passage between ports. The housing includes a first portion, which extends along an axis, and has a first surface parallel to the axis. A poppet is movable between a first configuration that prevents fluid communication between the ports, and a second configuration that permits fluid communication between the ports. The poppet includes a second portion. The second portion is translatable along the axis relative to the housing, and includes a tubular stem that has a second surface parallel to the axis. The second portion nests with the first portion so as to define a gap between the first and second surfaces. The first and second portions define a chamber, and the gap restricts fluid flow between the fluid communication passage and the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Perry, Andre Veinotte
  • Patent number: 7096883
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combined check and pressure control valve (10), comprising a check valve element (34) which is adjustable between an opened position and a closed position, and a pressure control valve element (42) which on exceeding a predetermined pressure can be lifted off a valve seat (40), so that at least one outflow channel is opened, characterized in that the check valve element (34) is a valve plate which in the closed position lies against at least one annular sealing seat (30, 32), which is impressed in a thin-walled component, preferably a sheet metal part (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: TRW Fahrwerksysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jochen Gessat, Michael Scholand, Martin Jordan
  • Patent number: 7086388
    Abstract: A combination valve for fuel delivery system of a vehicle having an engine, the fuel delivery system being configured to pump fuel to the engine and the fuel delivery system has a regulator for regulating the pressure of the fuel when it is being pumped to the engine by the fuel delivery system, the combination valve comprising: an outer housing defining an inner opening for slidably receiving a body portion of a system pressure relief valve therein, the body portion of the system pressure relief valve defining an inner opening for slidably receiving a body portion of a check valve therein, the body portion of the check valve being configured to provide a first fluid pathway in a first direction when the body portion of the check valve moves from a closed position to an open position as the body portion of the check valve moves in the first direction within the inner opening of the body portion of the system pressure relief valve, the body portion of the system pressure relief valve being configured to provid
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Roth, Dennis P. McGrath
  • Patent number: 7086413
    Abstract: A bi-directional damper valve is provided for connecting to a hydraulic line, to regulate fluid flow therethrough. The damper valve includes a main valve body having a flow passage formed therethrough, and the flow passage widens at central portion of the valve body to form a central chamber, which has valve seats formed at opposite ends thereof. The main valve body also has two bypass channels formed therein, which branch off the central chamber near the valve seats, and which selectively communicate with the flow passage. The damper valve also includes two poppets, oriented facing in opposite directions in the central chamber. Each of the poppets has a hollow bore formed therethrough, to always allow fluid flow through the damper valve at a first (minimal) rate. The damper valve also includes a spring extending between the poppets, and normally biasing them against the valve seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jinghong (John) Yu, Chad Gilsinger
  • Patent number: 7066199
    Abstract: A valve assembly for use in regulating the flow of fluid between a first fluid side and a second fluid side of a hydraulic circuit. The valve includes a valve guide, a valve stem engaged to the valve guide and a valve seat. A bore is extended through the valve seat, and the bore and valve stem cooperate to form a fluid passage from the first side to the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Robert E. Trimble, Tage Christiansen, Anders Kryhlmand, Thomas Kopel
  • Patent number: 7011077
    Abstract: A fuel system and a method of method of managing fuel vapor pressure in the fuel system. The fuel system a fuel tank having a headspace, a fuel vapor collection canister in fluid communication with the headspace, a purge valve, and a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus. The method includes performing leak detection on the headspace, and preventing a flow of fluid through an elastic diaphragm during leak detection. The elastic diaphragm includes at least one opening through which passes the flow of fluid. And the preventing the flow of fluid includes a first portion of the elastic diaphragm sealingly engaging a second portion of the elastic diaphragm. The method further includes relieving excess negative pressure in the headspace and relieving excess positive pressure in the headspace by fluid flow in different directions along the same flow path that includes the opening in the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Andre Veinotte
  • Patent number: 6986363
    Abstract: A valve assembly for use in regulating the flow of fluid between a first fluid side and a second fluid side of a hydraulic circuit. The assembly has an insert mounted in a hydraulic component having at least a portion of the hydraulic circuit formed therein, the insert also has a first end exposed to the first fluid side, a first end opening formed on the first end and a second end open to the second fluid side. The valve assembly additionally has a valve plug retained within the second end of the insert and a valve seat surface formed on the first end of the insert. The valve assembly also has a combination check valve and pressure relief valve located within the insert between the valve seat surface and the valve plug to selectively open and close the first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Robert E. Trimble, Tage Christiansen, Anders Kryhlmand, Thomas Kopel
  • Patent number: 6986357
    Abstract: A method of designing a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus that performs leak detection on a headspace of a fuel system. A pressure operable device separates the housing into first and second portions, and includes a seal and a poppet that cooperatively engages the seal with a contact force. The seal includes a first effective area that is equal to a difference between a first area defined by a major perimeter and a second area defined by a minor perimeter. The poppet moves along an axis and includes a second effective area that is defined by the minor perimeter of the seal. A first pressure level, at which excess negative pressure is relieved, is calculated by dividing the contact force by the first effective area. And a second pressure level, at which excess positive pressure is relieved, is calculated by dividing the activation force by the second effective area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Veinotte, Paul Perry
  • Patent number: 6981516
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus that acts as a fail save shut off valve. More specifically, the invention relates to a fail save shut off valve that allows fluid flow during normal operational conditions, but prevents the flow of fluids in the event of system failure upstream that causes over-pressurization. The present invention is particularly well suited for use in conjunction with hot gas filtering systems, which utilize ceramic candle filters. Used in such a hot gas system the present invention stops the flow of hot gas and prevents any particulate laden gas from entering the clean side of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: John VanOsdol
  • Patent number: 6973938
    Abstract: A pressure and vacuum vent utilizing a column of liquid to open and close the vent at predetermined pressure and vacuum levels. A column of liquid is constrained in connection with internal and external passages coupled between a pair of expansion chambers. The external passage is sized to hold a level of liquid corresponding to a predetermined positive pressure level at which the valve will open, while the internal passage is sized to hold a level of liquid corresponding to a predetermined negative pressure level at which the valve will open. At either the predetermined positive or negative pressure level, the valve opens when sufficient liquid has exited either the external or internal passage to permit the flow of a restrained gas past the liquid column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Husky Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas O. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6971398
    Abstract: A baffle controls the normal process flow of liquid in basins of liquid treatment equipment, but releases uncontrolled flow of the liquid caused by events such as seismic events. Methods provide an unbent blank for making such baffle with a hinge member to facilitate the release of the uncontrolled flow. Further methods provide for mounting of the baffle for movement, urging the baffle for the control of the normal process flow, and allowing the uncontrolled flow to overcome the urging and release the uncontrolled flow. Baffle embodiments may be made from exemplary materials such as stainless steel, glass fiber reinforced polyester, pultruded FRP, and redwood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Meurer Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Karl Brauch, Charles Lonnie Meurer
  • Patent number: 6964280
    Abstract: A combination check valve and pressure relief valve is provided for use in regulating the flow of fluid between a first fluid side and a second fluid side. The combination check valve and pressure relief valve includes a valve plug, a valve guide moveably positioned in relation to the valve plug, a valve stem engaged to the valve guide, a check compression spring attached to the valve stem and positioned between the valve guide and the valve plug, a valve seat carried by the valve stem, and a relief compression spring positioned between the valve seat and the valve guide. The valve guide is adapted to move the valve stem relative to the valve seat against the force of the relief compression spring to allow fluid to pass from the first fluid side to the second fluid side through a fluid flow passage formed between the valve stem and the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Robert E. Trimble, Tage Christiansen, Anders Kryhlmand, Thomas Kopel
  • Patent number: 6953027
    Abstract: A fuel vapor pressure management apparatus for a fuel system performs leak detection on a headspace of the fuel system, performs excess negative pressure relief of the headspace, and performs excess positive pressure relief of the headspace. The fuel vapor pressure management apparatus includes a diaphragm that is deformable between a nearly undeformed configuration that is associated with performing leak detection, a first deformed configuration that is associated with performing excess negative pressure relief, and a second deformed configuration that is associated with performing excess positive pressure relief. A first fluid flow through the diaphragm occurs when the diaphragm is in the first deformed configuration. A second fluid flow through the diaphragm occurs when the diaphragm is in the second deformed configuration, and the second fluid flow is opposite to the first fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Andre Veinotte
  • Patent number: 6929025
    Abstract: A two-way valve includes a valve case with the first valve seat formed at one of two openings, the first valve member movable in the valve case for abutting against the first valve seat, and the first urging device for urging the first valve member toward the first valve seat. The first valve member includes a communication path therein and the second valve seat formed at one end portion thereof. The second valve member for abutting against the second valve seat is disposed in the communication path to block the communication path, and the second urging device is provided for urging the second valve member toward the second valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Nifco Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroji Sato
  • Patent number: 6913036
    Abstract: A device for a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus of a fuel system supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine. The fuel vapor pressure management apparatus performs leak detection on a headspace of the fuel system, performs excess negative pressure relief of the headspace, and performs excess positive pressure relief of the headspace. The device includes a seal that is deformable between a substantially symmetrically deformed configuration, a generally asymmetrically deformed configuration, and an undeformed configuration. The seal is adapted to cooperatively engage a poppet such that a first arrangement that includes the seal in the substantially symmetrically deformed configuration and the poppet engaging the seal, a second arrangement that includes the seal in the generally asymmetrically deformed configuration and the poppet engaging the seal, and a third arrangement that includes the seal in an undeformed configuration and the poppet being disengaged from the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Veinotte, Paul Perry
  • Patent number: 6910502
    Abstract: A decoupled check-relief valve for use in a hydraulic fluid circuit is provided that has a cylindrical guide housing which travels during the check function of the valve. The cylindrical guide housing has a clearance parameter, allowing for the selection of an optimal check response time. A dampening disk is provided inside the cylindrical guide housing, traveling within the guide during the relief function of the valve. The dampening disk has a separate clearance parameter, allowing for the selection of an optimal dampening capacity and fluid circuit stability. As such, the check and relief clearance parameters are independent of each other to allow both the check and relief functions of the valve to be optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin J. Landhuis
  • Patent number: 6892754
    Abstract: A device for a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus of a fuel system supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine. The fuel vapor pressure management apparatus performs leak detection on a headspace of the fuel system, performs excess negative pressure relief of the headspace, and performs excess positive pressure relief of the headspace. The device includes a housing defining an interior chamber, and a poppet movable along an axis. The poppet includes a perimeter that has a plurality of notches. Interposed between each adjacent pair of the notches is a corresponding tab, and each tab includes a radially outer edge that is adapted to cooperate with the housing so as to guide movement of the poppet that is associated with the performing excess positive pressure relief.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Veinotte, Paul Perry
  • Patent number: 6875343
    Abstract: A dual direction bypass valve allows a transmission filter to function whether or not it is placed in the vehicle transmission correctly. The filter includes a front and rear valve bodies separated by an end cap, and each having a spring and disk. When the filter media is clogged during normal forward flow, the fluid pressure on the rear valve body disk compresses the spring, opening an aperture in the end cap, allowing the fluid to pass from the front valve body through the rear valve body to the outlet, bypassing the filter media. If the transmission filter is placed in the engine backwards, the fluid pressure compresses the spring of the front valve body and opens up apertures in the end cap, such that the fluid flows through the apertures and the front valve body, bypassing the rear valve body and the filter media, to exit the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: Larry A. Druga
  • Patent number: 6851443
    Abstract: A device and method for preventing resonance in a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus of a fuel system supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine. The fuel vapor pressure management apparatus performs leak detection on a headspace of the fuel system, performs excess negative pressure relief of the headspace, and performs excess positive pressure relief of the headspace. The device includes a housing defining an interior chamber, a pressure operable device separating the interior chamber into first and second portions, and a device preventing resonance. The pressure operable device includes a poppet that is movable along an axis and a seal that is adapted to cooperatively engage the poppet. The device preventing resonance includes at least one of a dashpot defined by the housing and the poppet, a gap between the poppet and the seal, and a resilient element applying a force biasing the poppet toward the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Veinotte, Paul Perry
  • Patent number: 6820642
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of operating a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus that includes a housing and a pressure operable device. The housing defines an interior chamber and includes first and second ports that communicate with the interior chamber. The pressure operable device separates the interior chamber into a first portion in fluid communication with the first port and a second portion in fluid communication with a second port. The pressure operable device includes a poppet movable along an axis and a seal adapted to cooperatively engage the poppet. A first arrangement of the pressure operable device occurs when there is a first negative pressure level at the first port relative to the second port, and the seal is in a first deformed configuration. A second arrangement of the pressure operable device permits a first fluid flow from the second port to the first port when the seal is in a second deformed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Veinotte, Paul Perry
  • Patent number: RE41861
    Abstract: A decouple check-relief valve for use in a hydraulic fluid circuit is provided that has a cylinder guide housing which travels during the check function of the valve. The cylindrical guide housing has a clearance parameter, allowing for the selection of an optimal check response time. A dampening disk is provided inside the cylindrical guide housing, traveling within the guide during the relief function of the valve. The dampening disk has a separate clearance parameter, allowing for the selection of an optimal dampening capacity and fluid circuit stability. As such, the check and relief clearance parameters are independent of each other to allow both the check and relief functions of the valve to be optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Kevin J. Landhuis