With Separate Connected Fluid Reactor Surface Patents (Class 137/494)
  • Patent number: 7431047
    Abstract: The present invention regards an underpressure-activated valve mechanism for controlled dispensing of fluids, including liquid food articles, from a receptacle. When the user applies sufficient suction force (P2) across a pressure comparative diaphragm zone a valve opening force is applied to a valve area that has a force connection with the diaphragm zone. When the suction force ceases the valve area closes and remains closed, even in the event of overpressure (P3) in the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: SmartSeal AS
    Inventor: Kjetil Naesje
  • Patent number: 7401372
    Abstract: A submersible cleaner includes a valve within a flow passage for interrupting fluid flow and thus drive the cleaned over submerged surfaces to be cleaned. An element moveable between the valve and a wall surface within the passage reduces a gap formed between them such that flow through the passage is directed along one side of the valve resulting in improved driving power and reduced clogging by debris passing through the passage. The element may be attached to either the valve or the wall, and may make slideable engagement with them. A flexible plate engaging the surface includes a plurality of tongues radially extending about the periphery with each tongue having a lower surface portion contacting the surface to be cleaned and an outmost portion contoured away from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Pavel Sebor
  • Patent number: 7363938
    Abstract: A dual valve assembly includes two regulating valves. Each valve includes an outer housing comprised of a cap joined to a base. The housing is internally subdivided by a barrier wall into a head section and a base section, the latter being further subdivided by a modulating assembly into a fluid chamber and a spring chamber. An inlet and a 90° outlet in the cap communicate with the fluid chamber. Fluid at a variable pressure is admitted into the fluid chamber via the inlet, with the modulating assembly serving to maintain the fluid exiting the fluid chamber via the outlet at a substantially constant pressure. A smaller one of the valves has its base nested within the spring chamber of the other larger valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Global Agricultural Technology and Engineering, LLC
    Inventor: John R. Newton
  • Patent number: 7353834
    Abstract: A pressure regulator valve including a valve seat separating a fluid flowpath into an upstream region and a downstream region. A valve closure member is mounted on a valve stem, the valve stem operable to vary a separation between the valve seat and the valve closure member. A diaphragm is mounted in a housing, mobile portions of the diaphragm responding to changes of pressure in the downstream region by changing position relative to the housing. A diaphragm stem is attached to the diaphragm such that movement of the mobile portions of the diaphragm causes movement of the diaphragm stem. A linkage mechanically couples the diaphragm stem to the valve stem. The linkage includes four connected links, the links attached to each other at connection points. The linkage having a mechanical advantage which varies as the positions of the diaphragm stem and valve stem change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald E. Childers
  • Patent number: 7347206
    Abstract: A group for controlling a second-stage regulator for scuba divers. The regulator comprises a regulator body with an inlet conduit for connection to a first-stage regulator which supplies a breathable gaseous mixture at a constant pressure and an outlet conduit for connection to a mouthpiece of the user. The group comprises a first bushing defining an intermediate chamber with a bottom wall wherein a central hole is formed, a poppet loosely engaged within the hole, the end of the poppet being connected to lever means, a second bushing engaged in the first bushing and defining an inlet chamber and a third bushing engaged in the second bushing and defining a regulator seat at one of its ends. The head of the poppet engages tightly in the seat and an elastic member is provided coaxial to the poppet in the intermediate chamber for maintaining the head against the regulator seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Cressi Sub S.p.A.
    Inventor: Stefano Pedemonte
  • Publication number: 20070277884
    Abstract: A control stop for a flush valve for a urinal or toilet fixture includes a housing defining a flow chamber divided by a valve seat into inlet and outlet sections. A valve structure is biased toward the valve seat by a spring applying a valve closing spring force. The housing is sealed by a diaphragm, and the diaphragm covers the movable valve structure, isolating it from water flowing through the housing. The diaphragm does not impede valve structure movement, and the closing spring force establishes a threshold water supply pressure for opening the control stop during increasing pressure following a no or low supply pressure condition. A plurality of control stops may supply a bank of flush valves and fixtures, and open in a cascading sequence during increasing pressure as a result of having springs with different closing spring forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7302961
    Abstract: A surge relief valve comprising a main valve body having a dome port and an inlet port. The inlet port is in fluid communication with a first fluid. The invention further includes a dome reservoir connected to the main valve body via the dome port and arranged to hold a second fluid, a piston located in the main valve body, the piston in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a dampening ring positioned around the circumference of the piston operatively arranged to dampen the piston, wherein the first fluid exerts an upward force on the piston, the second fluid exerts a downward force on the piston, and the piston is arranged to move in response to a differential in the upward and downward forces, wherein the first and second fluids are isolated from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Flow-Safe, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Martin, John W. Ostroot
  • Patent number: 7216668
    Abstract: A fluid valve (10) that interrupts the flow of fluid when backpressure ceases. The valve (10) consists of a valve body (20) having an inlet (22), an outlet (24), a piston chamber (32), and a backpressure port (34). The port (34) is located between the outlet (24) and the chamber (32), and a stem bore (36) is disposed within the valve body (20) between the chamber (32), and the inlet (22) and the outlet (24). A piston (40) that includes a restricting stem (42), is confined within the chamber (32) and the stem (42) is positioned within the stem bore (36). The stem (42) restricts fluid flow when there is no backpressure, but when backpressure exists the stem (42) is forced away from the inlet (22) and the outlet (24) by the piston (40) thereby permitting a full flow through the valve (10). An adjustable compression spring (68) engages the piston (40) urging the stem (42) into the stem bore (36) when no backpressure exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas A. Adams
  • Patent number: 7171980
    Abstract: A valve assembly and a regulator for use therein are disclosed. The valve assembly includes a valve poppet having a first end having a first face and a second end having a second face. The first face has a surface area smaller than the surface area of the second face. The second end of the valve poppet is received in a sealed chamber and a passage provides fluid communication between the inlet of the regulator and the chamber for allowing gas accumulating in the chamber to act on the second face for urging the valve poppet in the closed position without the use of a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio A. Angelini, Bela Miklos
  • Patent number: 7159263
    Abstract: A submersible cleaner includes a valve within a flow passage for interrupting fluid flow and thus drive the cleaned over submerged surfaces to be cleaned. A retractable element moveable between the valve and a wall within the passage reduces a gap formed between them such that flow through the passage is directed along one side of the valve resulting in improved driving power and reduced clogging by debris passing through the passage. The retractable element may be attached to either the valve or the wall, and may make slidable engagement with between them. A flexible plate engaging the surface includes a plurality of tongues radially extending about the periphery with each tongue having a lower surface portion contacting the surface to be cleaned and an outmost portion contoured away from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Pavel Sebor
  • Patent number: 7150825
    Abstract: A fuel filter sealing apparatus to improve a connector for connecting a fuel input pipe and a fuel return pipe to a fuel filter in order to prevent fuel leakage during a preliminary testing stage of an engine and backflow of fuel during engine operation. An oil chamber is provided between a first piston and a second piston accommodated at an inner circumferential side of a fuel filter side connecting part. Fuel flow holes are radially formed at an external side of the oil chamber and inlets thereof are opened and closed by the first piston to allow the fuel passing through outlets thereof to flow to the fuel filter. A barrier valve is provided at one side with a valve surface for opening and closing a fuel through hole disposed between the fuel filter and the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Sung-Hak Kim
  • Patent number: 7117887
    Abstract: An apparatus is adapted to be secured to a pressure regulator, relief valve, or any other valve and allows the user to control the position of the valve. According to one embodiment, the pressure regulator remains fully open until a desired maximum fill pressure within a boiler is reached. Upon reaching the maximum fill pressure, the valve is automatically and substantially instantly closed. Consequently, the pressure within the boiler never exceeds the maximum allowable pressure of the pressure relief valve, thereby preventing the accidental discharge of hot, high-pressure water from the boiler. Moreover, because the valve remains fully open until the maximum fill pressure is achieved, the amount of time to fill the boiler is substantially reduced. According to another embodiment, a relief valve remains fully closed until a maximum pressure is exceeded, whereby the valve is substantially instantly fully opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Lawrence M. Dulac
  • Patent number: 7059325
    Abstract: A vent valve apparatus (10) for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurised above atmospheric pressure to a human or animal. The apparatus (10) includes a gas washout vent (15), a vent valve (18) adapted to progressively restrict the flow area of the washout vent (15), and a pressure sensitive vent valve control means (20,22,23). The control means is adapted to progressively cause the vent valve (18) to restrict the flow area of the gas washout vent (15) in response to increases in the pressure of the gas supply, thereby substantially regulating the volumetric flow of gas and/or CO2 gas through the washout vent (15) over a range of gas supply pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventor: Shane Douglas Hollis
  • Patent number: 6994928
    Abstract: A system and method for regulating steam pressure. The system includes a steam source, a reformer, and a pressure regulator. The reformer includes an inlet that is in fluid communication with a steam source, and an outlet that provides a supply of hydrogen gas. The pressure regulator includes a valve body, a valve movable between first and second positions, and an actuator. The valve body defines an internal flow passage between first and second ports. The first port is in fluid communication with the inlet of the reformer. The first position of the valve substantially prevents steam communication through the internal flow passage, and the second position of the valve permits generally unrestricted steam communication through the internal flow passage. The actuator includes an actuator body that defines a chamber, a movable actuator wall that divides the chamber into first and second chamber spaces, and a shaft that couples the movable actuator wall to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Gagnon, Gary Everingham
  • Patent number: 6966092
    Abstract: A submersible cleaner includes a valve within a flow passage for interrupting fluid flow and thus drive the cleaned over submerged surfaces to be cleaned. A retractable element moveable between the valve and a wall within the passage reduces a gap formed between them such that flow through the passage is directed along one side of the valve resulting in improved driving power and reduced clogging by debris passing through the passage. The retractable element may be attached to either the valve or the wall, and may make slidable engagement with between them. A flexible plate engaging the surface includes a plurality of tongues radially extending about the periphery with each tongue having a lower surface portion contacting the surface to be cleaned and an outmost portion contoured away from the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Pavel Sebor
  • Patent number: 6959724
    Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus for controlling the discharge of pressurized fluids from the outlet of a pressurized vessel, and particularly directed to multiple fluid regulating devices within the vessel for storing and controlling the flow of fluid or gases out of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Charles Heiderman
  • Patent number: 6957660
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve has a valve element that is biased by a spring into a closed position. A pressure being controlled is applied to the valve element to counter the force of the spring. When the pressure applied to the valve element exceeds the force of the spring the pressure relief opens, otherwise the valve closes. The pressure is applied through a damping orifice which controls the rate at which the applied pressure can increase and decrease thus delaying the response of the pressure relief valve to pressure changes in both directions. The relative size relationship between the inlet and outlet can be varied to define the pressure-flow characteristic of the pressure relief valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Robert E. Holder
  • Patent number: 6948481
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of establishing a threshold for a leak detection test that is performed on a headspace of a fuel system. A fuel vapor pressure management apparatus includes a housing, a pressure operable device, and a sensor. The housing defines an interior chamber. The pressure operable device separates the interior chamber into first and second portions, and includes a poppet that moves along an axis and a seal that is adapted to cooperatively engage the poppet. A first arrangement of the pressure operable device occurs during the leak detection test when the seal is in a first deformed configuration. A sensor detects the first arrangement of the pressure operable device during the leak detection test. And a processor is coupled to the sensor and reduces sensitivity of the fuel vapor pressure management apparatus during the leak detection test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Perry, Andre Veinotte
  • Patent number: 6945272
    Abstract: A passively actuated valve for isolating a high pressure zone from a low pressure zone and discontinuing the isolation when the pressure in the high pressure zone drops below a preset threshold. If the pressure in the high pressure zone drops below the preset threshold, the valve opens and allows flow from the high pressure zone to the low pressure zone. The valve remains open allowing pressure equalization and back-flow should a pressure inversion between the two pressure zone occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: S. Michael Modro, Abderrafi M. Ougouag
  • Patent number: 6931859
    Abstract: Cooling air to the blades and disks of a gas turbine may be modulated to provide a variable turbine cooling flow. A bellows may be extended by providing a high pressure compressor discharge flow to an interior of the bellows. The bellows may be compressed when the interior of the bellows communicates with ambient pressure air. The extension/compression of the bellows moves an arm over orifices in a cooling air flow path. The pressure inside of the bellows is metered to move the arm over at least one orifice, thereby restricting cooling air flow when the engine is running at low power. The pressure inside of the bellows is metered to move the arm to uncover all of the slots to provide maximum cooling flow when the engine is running at high power. The resulting variable cooling flow system results in less need for cooling air at low powers, thus reducing engine fuel consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Peter L. Morgan, William J. Howe, Mark C. Morris, Adrian R. Allan, Donald L. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6889692
    Abstract: A vent valve apparatus for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurized above atmospheric pressure to a human or animal includes a gas washout vent, a vent valve adapted to progressively restrict the flow area of the washout vent, and a pressure sensitive vent valve controller. The controller is adapted to progressively cause the vent valve to restrict the flow area of the gas washout vent in response to increases in the pressure of the gas supply. Thereby, the vent valve substantially regulates the flow of gas through the washout vent over a range of gas supply pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventor: Shane Douglas Hollis
  • Patent number: 6789559
    Abstract: A fluid pressure regulator is provided having a housing with an inlet and outlet for fluid, a valve located movably inside the housing and provided with a fluid transport member to allow passage of fluid from the inlet to the outlet. The regulator also has a pressure setting member and a space defined by one end of the valve and an end wall of the housing. The valve is moveable relative to the housing in response to a change in pressure within the space between a first position which at least partially aligns the fluid transport member with each of the inlet and the outlet and a second position in which there is no alignment of the fluid transport member with at least one of the inlet and the outlet. A passage is provided in open communication with the space and one of the inlet, the outlet, and the transport member. Methods of using the pressure regulator are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Avantium International B.V.
    Inventors: Peter John van den Brink, Johannes Petrus de Jonge, Klaas Hendrik Kroon
  • Publication number: 20040173264
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve has a valve element that is biased by a spring into a closed position. A pressure being controlled is applied to the valve element to counter the force of the spring. When the pressure applied to the valve element exceeds the force of the spring the pressure relief opens, otherwise the valve closes. The pressure is applied through a damping orifice which controls the rate at which the applied pressure can increase and decrease thus delaying the response of the pressure relief valve to pressure changes in both directions. The relative size relationship between the inlet and outlet can be varied to define the pressure-flow characteristic of the pressure relief valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Robert E. Holder
  • Patent number: 6786208
    Abstract: The boost fuel enricher is used with internal combustion engines, either carbureted or fuel-injected, that are equipped with compressors, i.e., turbocharged or supercharged, in order to enrich the air/fuel ratio when the engine is under boost. The boost fuel enricher is a diaphragm pressure valve with an adjustable throat. The diaphragm is subject to atmospheric pressure on one side, and senses inlet air pressure in the air intake passage on the other side. When inlet air pressure exceeds atmospheric pressure, the valve opens to admit additional air-fuel mixture into the air intake passage through a venturi in the air intake passage. The throat is made adjustable by sliding block valves in the fuel passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Hector H. Velez-Velez
  • Patent number: 6725879
    Abstract: A steam pressure regulator for a reformer of a fuel cell system. The reformer includes an inlet in fluid communication with a steam source, and an outlet that provides a supply of hydrogen gas. The steam pressure regulator including a valve body, a valve movable between first and second positions, and an actuator. The valve body defines an internal flow passage between first and second ports. The first port is adapted to be in fluid communication with the inlet of the reformer. The first position of the valve substantially prevents fluid communication through the internal flow passage, and the second position of the valve permits generally unrestricted fluid communication through the internal flow passage. The actuator includes an actuator body that defines a chamber, a movable actuator wall that divides the chamber into first and second chamber spaces, and a shaft that couples the movable actuator wall to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Incorporated
    Inventor: Frederic Gagnon
  • Patent number: 6718998
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dissipating heat from a steam pressure regulator for a reformer of a fuel cell system. The reformer including an inlet in fluid communication with a steam source, and an outlet providing a supply of hydrogen gas. The steam pressure regulator including a valve body, a valve movable between first and second positions, an actuator, and an intermediate body. The valve body defines an internal flow passage between first and second ports. The first port is adapted to be in fluid communication with the inlet of the reformer. The first position of the valve substantially prevents fluid communication through the internal flow passage, and the second position of the valve permits generally unrestricted fluid communication through the internal flow passage. The actuator includes an actuator body that defines a chamber, a movable actuator wall that divides the chamber into first and second chamber spaces, and a shaft that couples the movable actuator wall to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederic Gagnon, Gary Everingham
  • Patent number: 6684903
    Abstract: A vacuum demand valve for delivering a flowable material is disclosed. The valve has a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate segment therebetween defining a passageway wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The housing can be a tubing. A valve member is located along the intermediate segment. The valve member has a closed condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped. The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Williamson, Scott R. Ariagno, Alan W. Marttila, Atif M. Yardimci, Sidney T. Smith
  • Patent number: 6681418
    Abstract: A water flow control valve (10) designed to be installed externally on a toilet tank (108) or as an integral element of a toilet ballcock (110). The valve (10) incorporates a diaphragm (46), a spring (62), a poppet assembly (70), and an inlet port (38) that is connected to a utility water supply (100) and an outlet port (42) that is connected through a pipe (102) to a fitting (106) on the the toilet tank (108). The valve functions by sensing the pressure at the inlet port (38). When no large demands are placed on the water supply (100), the valve (10) remains open, thus allowing the toilet tank (108) to fill. When a shower is turned on, the water pressure drops which reduces the upward force on the diaphragm (46), thus allowing the spring (62) to place the poppet (70) in a closed position which prevents the toilet tank (108) from filling. When the water demand ceases, the water pressure opens the valve (10), which allows the toilet tank (108) to fill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventors: Gary D. Bierend, Paul H. Nicholas
  • Patent number: 6679288
    Abstract: A vacuum demand valve for delivering a flowable material is disclosed. The valve has a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate segment therebetween defining a passageway wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The housing can be a tubing. A valve member is located along the intermediate segment. The valve member has a closed condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped. The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Baker International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Williamson, Scott R. Ariagno, Alan W. Marttila, Arnold C. Bilstad, Paul M. DiPerna, David W. Pennington
  • Publication number: 20040007267
    Abstract: A flow-through pressure regulator includes a retainer that secures a diaphragm relative to a seat, and includes a cylindrical portion, an axial end portion and an annular portion. The cylindrical portion extends about a longitudinal axis and is fixed with respect to the seat. The axial end portion extends from the cylindrical portion and extends generally orthogonal relative to the longitudinal axis. The axial end portion includes a plurality of apertures that permit fluid communication and are selected so as to reduce noise due to fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Clay McIntyre, James Archie Wynn, Barry Robinson
  • Publication number: 20040000339
    Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus for controlling the discharge of pressurized fluids from the outlet of a pressurized vessel, and particularly directed to multiple fluid dispensing check valve devices within the vessel for storing and controlling the flow of fluid or gases out of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas Charles Heiderman
  • Publication number: 20040000338
    Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus for controlling the discharge of pressurized fluids from the outlet of a pressurized vessel, and particularly directed to multiple fluid regulating devices within the vessel for storing and controlling the flow of fluid or gases out of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: Douglas Charles Heiderman
  • Patent number: 6668853
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve has a gasketed main body fastened to a vessel wall adjacent to a vent port, the body having a recess surrounding the port which receives a plastic insert removably coupled to the body by a retaining ring fastened to the main body. The insert defines a passage communicating with the port and a valve seat engageable by a seal assembly for closing the valve. The seal assembly includes an annular retainer for a seal O-ring and a plug receivable through the retainer and into a socket in a valve stem, which is spring-biased against the retainer and is guided in a guide assembly removably mounted on the main body. The insert is formed of plastic and the retainer and plug may also be formed of plastic and can be readily field-removable by simply unbolting the housing from the vessel and unfastening the retaining ring. The guide and bias assemblies need not be disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Dean
  • Patent number: 6651696
    Abstract: A relief valve with two outlet ports increases the flow capacity of the valve when open. In an alternative embodiment, a relief valve with two outlet ports also has at least two springs stacked vertically. Alternative seal assemblies can be used with the aforementioned dual outlet port valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Gilmore Valve Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rodney C. Hope, Richard R. Watson, F. Harold Hollister
  • Patent number: 6648011
    Abstract: A vacuum demand valve for delivering a flowable material is disclosed. The valve has a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate segment therebetween defining a passageway wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The housing can be a tubing. A valve member is located along the intermediate segment. The valve member has a closed condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped. The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Arnold C. Bilstad, Atif M. Yardimci, Mark C. Perry
  • Patent number: 6640830
    Abstract: A pilot operated pressure valve which limits the rate of start-up pressure rise (“soft start-up”) and substantially eliminates excessive system pressure spikes. The valve includes an inlet, a hollow cylindrical main body sealingly connected at one end thereof to the inlet, a pilot chamber having a sleeve slidably mounted within the main body and an operating pressure adjustment connected to another end of the main body adjacent another end of the pilot chamber for varying the threshold operating pressure of the valve. A main chamber receives pressurized fluid metered through a main orifice and discharges pressurized fluid through a damping orifice when the main chamber is filled and fluid inlet pressure exceeds the inlet threshold pressure which is just sufficient to open a spring biased pilot ball downstream of the damping orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Sun Hydraulics Corp.
    Inventor: Bernd Zähe
  • Patent number: 6604545
    Abstract: A vacuum demand valve for delivering a flowable material is disclosed. The valve has a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate segment therebetween defining a passageway wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The housing can be a tubing. A valve member is located along the intermediate segment. The valve member has a closed condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped. The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Williamson, Scott R. Ariagno, Alan W. Marttila, Arnold C. Bilstad, Paul M. DiPerna, Michael R. Prisco, David W. Pennington, Atif M. Yardimci, Sidney T. Smith, Mark C. Perry, Marc Bellotti
  • Patent number: 6557555
    Abstract: A vent valve apparatus for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurized above atmospheric pressure to a human or animal includes a gas washout vent, a vent valve adapted to progressively restrict the flow area of the washout vent, and a pressure sensitive vent valve controller. The controller is adapted to progressively cause the vent valve to restrict the flow area of the gas washout vent in response to increases in the pressure of the gas supply. Thereby, the vent valve substantially regulates the flow of gas through the washout vent over a range of gas supply pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: ResMed Limited
    Inventor: Shane Douglas Hollis
  • Patent number: 6550493
    Abstract: A vacuum demand value (10) is capable of delivering a flowable material. The valve (10) has a housing (11) having a proximal end (14), a distal end (16), an intermediate segment (18) therebetween defining a passageway (24) wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end (14) to the distal end (16). The housing (11) can be tubing. A valve member (20) is located along the intermediate segment (18). The valve member (20) has a closed condition wherein the flowable material from the proximal end (14) to the distal end (16) is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end (14) to the distal end (16) is unstopped. The valve member (20) is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway (24) for placing the valve member (20) in the open condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Williamson, Scott R. Ariagno, Alan W. Marttila, Arnold C. Bilstad, Paul M. DiPerna, Michael R. Prisco, David W. Pennington, Atif M. Yardimci, Sidney T. Smith, Mark C. Perry, Marc Bellotti
  • Publication number: 20030019526
    Abstract: A flow regulator for a water pump, comprising a valve body, a left piston, a right piston, a connecting rod, a spring, and a conduit. The valve body is roughly shaped like a cross, having a passageway in a vertical direction and a left tube and a right tube in a horizontal direction, respectively enclosing a left chamber and a right chamber. The left and right pistons are glidingly movable inside the left and right tubes, respectively, being connected by the connecting rod. The spring is inserted between the right piston and a right cap on the right tube. The conduit is placed inside a side wall of the left tube, transmitting water pressure from the passageway to the left chamber. The control element is by water pressure pushed towards the passageway, narrowing the passageway. This is countered by an elastic force of the spring, so that controlled water flow and pressure are achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Der-Fan Shen
  • Publication number: 20030019525
    Abstract: A flow regulator for a water pump, comprising a valve body, a piston block, a spring, a connecting pipe, and a rod. The valve body is roughly shaped like a cross, having a passageway in a vertical direction and a first tube and a second tube in a horizontal direction. The piston block is glidingly movable in the horizontal direction in the first tube. The spring is disposed in the second tube, having ends that are fastened to inner and outer holding plates. The connecting pipe is connected with the first tube, transmitting water pressure from a supply pipe to the first tube. The rod connects the inner holding plate and the piston block to allow the water pressure and the elastic force to balance each other. The piston block is pushed inward by the water pressure, narrowing the passageway, while being pressed outward by the elastic force, so that controlled water flow and pressure in the supply pipe are achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Der-Fan Shen
  • Publication number: 20030019524
    Abstract: A flow regulator for a water pump, comprising a valve body, a control element, a tube, a spring, and a connecting pipe. The valve body is roughly shaped like a cross, enclosing a first chamber and a second chamber in a vertical direction and having a passageway in a horizontal direction. The control element is glidingly movable in the vertical direction in the first chamber. The tube is placed in said second chamber. The spring is inserted between the control element and the tube and pushes the control element to perform a vertical movement. The connecting pipe is connected with the first tube, transmitting water pressure from a supply pipe to the first tube. The piston block is pushed inward by the water pressure, narrowing the passageway, while being pressed outward by the elastic force, so that control led water flow and pressure in the supply pipe are achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Der-Fan Shen
  • Publication number: 20030015239
    Abstract: A fluid pressure regulator is provided having a housing with an inlet and outlet for fluid, a valve located movably inside the housing and provided with a fluid transport member to allow passage of fluid from the inlet to the outlet. The regulator also has a pressure setting member and a space defined by one end of the valve and an end wall of the housing. The valve is moveable relative to the housing in response to a change in pressure within the space between a first position which at least partially aligns the fluid transport member with each of the inlet and the outlet and a second position in which there is no alignment of the fluid transport member with at least one of the inlet and the outlet. A passage is provided in open communication with the space and one of the inlet, the outlet, and the transport member. Methods of using the pressure regulator are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: Avantium International B.V.
    Inventors: Peter John van den Brink, Johannes Petrus de Jonge, Klaas Hendrik Kroon
  • Patent number: 6502560
    Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the headspace in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the headspace, a purge valve, and all associated hoses and connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventor: Paul D. Perry
  • Publication number: 20020189684
    Abstract: A vacuum demand valve for delivering a flowable material is disclosed. The valve has a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate segment therebetween defining a passageway wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The housing can be a tubing. A valve member is located along the intermediate segment. The valve member has a closed condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped. The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Mark E. Williamson, Scott R. Ariagno, Alan W. Marttila, Arnold C. Bilstad, Paul M. DiPerna, Michael R. Prisco, David W. Pennington, Atif M. Yardimci, Sidney T. Smith, Mark C. Perry, Marc Bellotti
  • Publication number: 20020189683
    Abstract: A valve is disclosed for dispensing a flowable material. The valve has a first chamber (40) at a first pressure wherein said first chamber (40) defines an outlet (28) in communication with said first chamber (40). A second chamber (42) is at a second pressure. The valve has a stop (18) indexed against a third pressure, operating to selectively place the first chamber (40) into communication with the second chamber (42). The stop (18) is operative to connect the second chamber (42) to said first chamber (40) when the first pressure is less than the third pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Hal C. Danby, Mark E. Williamson
  • Patent number: 6470908
    Abstract: A pressure operable device for an integrated pressure management apparatus. The pressure operable device includes a poppet moving between a first configuration permitting fluid communication between first and second ports of the integrated pressure management apparatus, and a second configuration preventing fluid communication between the first and second ports. A spring biases the poppet toward the second configuration, and a diaphragm operably engages the poppet to move the poppet toward the first configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventor: Paul D. Perry
  • Patent number: 6453942
    Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the headspace in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the headspace, a purge valve, and all associated hoses and connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventor: Paul D. Perry
  • Patent number: 6450153
    Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the headspace in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the headspace, a purge valve, and all associated hoses and connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventor: Paul D. Perry
  • Patent number: 6431197
    Abstract: A system for controlling with safety the transfer or control of high pressure fluids from a container for use as to an inflatable escape slide. The pressurized container houses valve mechanisms such as a first and second valve mechanism, with the first valve mechanism controlling by actuation the on off flow of high pressure fluids to the second valve mechanism. The second valve mechanism controls the rate of flow by reducing the pressure for delivery to the inflatable escape slide. A safety valve operates in conjunction with the first valve mechanism and upon breaking of the valve mechanisms from the pressurized container to prevent the contents of the pressurized container from rapid escape or uncontrolled release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Goodrich Corp.
    Inventors: Roland D. Hintzman, Christopher J. Bock, Richard B. Yori, III