Flexible Diaphragm Or Bellows Reactor Patents (Class 137/510)
  • Publication number: 20040011405
    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. The valve includes a vent (520) for venting the second chamber (42) when flowable material is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Hal C. Danby, Julian Swan, Mark E. Williamson
  • Patent number: 6672333
    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 6, 2004
    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: 20030226546
    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: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Clay McIntyre, James Archie Wynn, Barry Robinson
  • Patent number: 6629543
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel system for an internal combustion engine powered by fuel that includes a fuel tank having a wall defining a volume. The fuel system also includes a pump that is disposed proximate the fuel tank and operatively connected to the volume. The fuel system further includes piping that is coupled to the pump and is operatively connected to the internal combustion engine. A pressure regulator with a self-contained valve assembly is disposed in at least one of the pump or the piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Jason T. Kilgore
  • Publication number: 20030159734
    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: February 26, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Hal C. Danby, Mark E. Williamson, Julian F.R. Swan
  • Patent number: 6581631
    Abstract: A device with a diaphragm arrangement dividing two chambers from one another, in which the diaphragm arrangement is retained via a crimped connection, excellent restraint of the diaphragm arrangement and excellent sealing are attained with the aid of an elastomer material. The device may be a pressure valve, for instance, and serves to vary a pressure of a fuel supply system of a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stanislaus Tomczak, Roland Hoepel, Ralph Ittlinger, Volker Hudec
  • Patent number: 6574813
    Abstract: A pilot operated check valve is configured to be positioned inside a fluid supply tube connected between an air supply manifold and an air zone located on a support surface of abed. The pilot operated check valve includes a body having an air inlet and an air outlet connected by an air passageway. The pilot operated check valve also includes a valve member configured to move between an open position and a closed position to block air flow through the passageway. Additionally, the pilot operated check valve includes a push rod having a first end coupled to the valve member to unseat the valve member when the valve member is in its open position and a second end. The pilot operated check valve includes a diaphragm located in a chamber of the body adjacent the second end of the push rod. The pilot operated check valve further includes an inlet port configured to be coupled to the manifold to admit pressure against the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael V. Bolden, Vincent L. Babson, Daniel A. Denson
  • Patent number: 6554023
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Hal C. Danby, Mark E. Williamson
  • 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: 20030066562
    Abstract: A pressure regulator having a disc spring. The pressure regulator comprises a valve having a movable device that is positioned to control fluid flow through the pressure regulator. Downstream fluid pressure produces a first force acting on the movable device to close the valve to block fluid flow through the pressure regulator. The disc spring produces a second force that acts on the movable device to open the valve to enable fluid to flow through the pressure regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Robert W. Wakeman
  • Publication number: 20030056831
    Abstract: A pressure regulator has a closing member (4) which controls a pressure-medium inlet (2) and on which is supported a valve spring (7) arranged in a spring can (8). The spring can (8) consists of a casing part (9) and of a lid (10). The valve spring (7) is supported with one end against this lid (10). Said lid is pushed into the casing part (9) until the necessary spring force is set exactly and is then connected to the casing surface (15) of the casing part (9) by means of radial indentations (12, 13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Karl Eck, Otto Korst
  • Patent number: 6536466
    Abstract: A pressure regulator apparatus is provided which includes a regulator body having an inlet, an outlet and a passage communicating there between. The pressure regulator apparatus includes a valve disposed within the passage having a valve seat and a valve stem with one end of the valve stem biased toward the valve seat. The pressure regulator apparatus further includes a plunger member connected to the valve stem at an end opposite the valve seat with the plunger member movable axially with respect to the valve seat. The plunger member is further connected to a biasing member so that the plunger member biases the valve stem toward the valve seat to control the pressure of the fluid flowing through the pressure regulator. A flexible diaphragm is connected at an inner end between the valve stem and plunger member and connected at an outer end against the regulator body. The diaphragm is flexible as the plunger member and valve stem move axially with respect to the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Wanner Engineering
    Inventor: Craig V. Rockwell
  • Publication number: 20030037820
    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: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    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: 20030029500
    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: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    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: 20030029503
    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: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    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: 20030029501
    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: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    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: 20030029502
    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: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    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: 20030024574
    Abstract: A safety valve installed in the water filling hole of the steam chamber of a steam cleaner and adapted to regular the inside pressure of the steam chamber, includes a valve body threaded into the water filling hole, a valve tube adapted to close/open the water filling hole subject to the steam pressure in the steam chamber, a driving disk fixedly fastened to the valve body, an actuating member fastened to the valve tube, a rotary cap adapted to rotate the valve body in and out of the water filling hole through the driving disk, and a clutch member adapted to control connection between the rotary cap and the driving disk subject to the presence of steam in the steam chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventor: Samson Tsen
  • Publication number: 20030024575
    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: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    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: 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: 20020189685
    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: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Hal C. Danby, Mark E. Williamson, Julian F.R. Swan
  • Patent number: 6481418
    Abstract: A fuel pressure regulator for supplying fuel to the intake of an internal combustion engine at a substantially constant pressure. The fuel pressure regulator includes a housing defining a fuel chamber in fluid communication with a fluid inlet. The housing further includes a fuel outlet opening in fluid communication with the fuel chamber. The housing defines a seating surface around the outlet opening. A valve body is moveably disposed within the housing and moves between open and closed positions. The valve body contacts and seals against the seating surface and prevents fuel flow through the outlet opening when the valve body is in the closed position. The valve body is biased into the closed position. The valve body includes an extension with at least a portion thereof disposed in the fuel outlet opening to guide the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Ristich, Steven J Fogarassy
  • Publication number: 20020134433
    Abstract: In devices with a diaphragm arrangement crimped into place and dividing two chambers from one another, until now functional problems arose at elevated pressures, because in permanent operation the diaphragm arrangement shifted, or because of leaks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Stanislaus Tomczak, Roland Hoepfl, Ralph Ittlinger, Volker Hudec
  • Patent number: 6422265
    Abstract: A valve seat for a fuel pressure regulator includes a valve body adapted to be disposed in the fuel pressure regulator and a passageway extending axially through the valve body. The passageway is tapered through the valve body to reduce fluid flow cavitation by limiting expansion of the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sharon Elizabeth Beyer, Mohammed Aslam, Chris Clarence Begley, Grover Wesley Preston, Daniel J. Buehler
  • Publication number: 20020092565
    Abstract: There is disclosed a pressure regulating valve which effectively reduces a noise of a fuel pressure regulating valve without relation to a flow amount of a fuel. In this valve, a flow collision preventing member (35) is fitted to an upper end opening portion of a bush (26), and an upper portion of the flow collision preventing member (35) is protruded to a side of a valve body (33) rather than a valve seat (28) (an upper end surface of the bush (26)). A plurality of flow passages (36) for flowing the fuel in an axial direction thereof (in a downward direction) along an inner peripheral surface of the bush (26) are formed in an outer peripheral portion of the flow collision preventing member (35) with a uniform interval. A runoff recess portion (37) running off a protruding portion of the flow collision preventing member (35) is formed in the valve body (33) positioned immediately above the valve seat (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Toshihiko Muramatsu, Takashi Furukawa, Shinji Takase
  • Patent number: 6405722
    Abstract: A single stage regulator is disclosed wherein a piston-type configuration is utilized to regulate an input working pressure as high as 4,500 PSI, to an output delivery pressure from 200 PSI to 1100 PSI. The single stage regulator can be used on paintball guns, markers and similar devices powered by compressed gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel H. Colby
  • Patent number: 6374855
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve for the water intake in irrigation systems or similar comprises a hollow body having a port to connect a hydraulic or pneumatic system to the interior of the body of the valve and at least one ventilation opening through a side wall or walls of the body from the exterior to the interior of the valve. A diaphragm is movably mounted within the interior of the body and normally closes the port. There is a bleed aperture through the diaphragm around the guide member to a cavity behind the diaphragm. When the pressure on the port side of the diaphragm falls below the external pressure, the diaphragm will move away from the port to open the port to fluid entering the interior of the body of the valve through the side wall(s) of the body of the valve, and the diaphragm will move to close the port when the pressure on the port side of the diaphragm is equalized with the external pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Albert Frederick Hansen
  • Patent number: 6341760
    Abstract: In a rotary metering valve, a metering block is located in a chamber having a plurality of outlets. The metering block is connectable to a fluid supply and has an outlet selector rotatable to select one of several different outlets from the block to the chamber. A barrier extends between the wall of the chamber and the metering block to prevent fluid flowing in a 360 degree rotary motion around the block. A sprayer check valve is also disclosed. The valve has a diaphragm acted on by control fluid whose pressure is set to just below the spray fluid pressure and which is varied according to variations in the spray fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventor: Matthew James Harold Rawlings
  • Patent number: 6332476
    Abstract: A pressure level monitoring device includes a housing (10) and a switching unit (12) that is embodied on the housing (10) and protrudes into the inside of the housing. A first membrane (14) divides a first inner housing chamber (44), which can be acted on by pressurized fluid, from a second inner housing chamber (46). The housing is comprised of a top housing part (18) and a bottom housing part (50). A check valve (54) is connected to the first inner housing chamber (44) and is integrated into the bottom housing part (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Paessler, Bertram Bauer
  • Patent number: 6311949
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating a water gate has a door of the water gate provided in a water channel, and has a mechanism for vertically operating the door. A pressure receiving plate is fixed to the door via an operating rod, and upper and lower air bags are provided on the upper and lower sides of the pressure receiving plate. An air compressor sends air into each of the upper and lower air bags, and a change-over valve and a flow rate regulating valve between the upper and lower air bags and the air compressor are adapted to switch and regulate the air sent into the upper and lower air bags. With this arrangement, compressed air is sent into the air bags to move the pressure receiving plate, vertically move the door and open and close the door. This apparatus is, moreover, adapted to drive the operating rod using the pressure of the air sent into the air bags, so that it has become possible to simplify the structure greatly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventors: Akio Iida, Yoshio Iida
  • Patent number: 6240943
    Abstract: The present invention reveals a gas mixing device which maintains constant gas ratios under both steady state and intermittent flow conditions, and reduces mixture errors inherent with multiple gauges by providing only one pressure gauge to read the inlet pressure at each inlet port. To accomplish its purpose, the device comprises a chamber defined by two opposing hollow core pistons, a downstream control valve, and an upstream delay valve. The control valve, assisted by one piston, opens and closes in response to the upper and lower operating pressure limits of a receiver. The delay valve, assisted by the other piston, closes after the control valve closes and opens abruptly only after a significant drop in pressure within the chamber, the result of the control valve having suddenly opened wide. A single pressure measuring assembly, rotatably mounted to the gas mixing device, communicates with each inlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Loren C. Smith
  • Patent number: 6199582
    Abstract: The flow control valve (10) has a body (11) and a valve mechanism (40). The body defines a chamber (20). The chamber involves an inlet (12) for receiving fluid to control, a valve seat (16) for passing the fluid, and an outlet (15) for discharging the fluid. The valve mechanism consists of a valve plug (41) for opening and closing the valve seat, a first diaphragm (50) arranged in the vicinity of the inlet, and a second diaphragm (60) arranged in the vicinity of the outlet. Each of the diaphragms is in the chamber and has a periphery fixed to the body. The diaphragms divide the chamber into a first pressure chamber (21) outside the first diaphragm, a valve chamber (25) between the diaphragms, and a second pressure chamber (30) outside the second diaphragm. The valve chamber includes the inlet, valve seat, and outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Advance Denki Kougyou Kabushiki
    Inventors: Hironori Matsuzawa, Tsuyoshi Hida, Kimihito Sasao
  • Patent number: 6173738
    Abstract: In a pressure maintenance valve for pneumatic apparatus including a valve housing having inlet and outlet passages, a valve member is disposed in the housing and includes a membrane having at one side thereof an annular valve structure disposed opposite an annular valve seat which divides the space adjacent the membrane into inner and outer concentric chambers when the valve structure is seated on the valve seat. A valve spring is disposed at the other side of the membrane for biasing the membrane into engagement with the valve seat. One of the concentric chambers is in communication with the inlet passage and the other with the outlet passage, whereby the membrane is held in an open valve position as long as the pressure in the inlet and outlet passages is greater than a certain value but the membrane closes the valve to maintain the predetermined pressure in the outlet passage when the pressure falls below that certain value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Andreas Opara, Gerhard Lohmann
  • Patent number: 6170511
    Abstract: A purge valve for expelling liquid contaminants from a fluid conduit which is normally unpressurized but is at times pressurized with a gas which contains liquid contaminants. It has a housing, a diaphragm mounted within the housing, a control chamber on a first side of the diaphragm, an exhaust passage on a second side of the diaphragm and a valve seat surrounding the exhaust passage. The valve seat is positioned so that the diaphragm can seal against it. A spring on the second side of the diaphragm presses it away from the seat. An annular chamber is on the second side of the diaphragm, surrounding the exhaust passage. The annular chamber is open to the exhaust passage when the diaphragm is unseated from the valve seat. The valve has a low impedance flow path between the control chamber and the fluid conduit. The valve also has a high impedance discharge flow path connected to the annular chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventors: Robert G. Bostedo, Gregory L. Johnston, Robert D. Dimsa, Daniel G. Scott, Ralph Santoro, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6164312
    Abstract: The invention is a valve for expelling a liquid contaminant from a gas in a conduit. It is used for a conduit with a pressure subject to variations in time. The valve has a housing containing a diaphragm with a control chamber on one side of the diaphragm and an exhaust passage on the other side. A valve seat surrounds the exhaust passage. A spring presses the diaphragm against the valve seat so that the valve is normally closed and an annular chamber surrounds the exhaust passage. A low impedance discharge passage is connected to the annular chamber and to the conduit. A high impedance control passage is connected to the control chamber and is either connected to the discharge passage or to the conduit. When the conduit pressure remains constant in time, the pressure in the control chamber equilibrates with it so that a net pressure force on the diaphragm plus the spring force presses the diaphragm against the valve seat so that the valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventors: Robert G. Bostedo, Gregory L. Johnston, Robert D. Dimsa, Daniel G. Scott, Ralph Santoro, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6161574
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for a fuel system, having a pressure chamber that communicates with a fuel connection and having a diaphragm that is installed at its outer peripheral region in a housing and partitions off the pressure chamber. A preassembled unit can be fastened, with the diaphragm built into the housing, on the basic body and the diaphragm can come to rest on a stop provided on the basic body. The device is intended in particular for regulating a pressure in a fuel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Albert Gerhard, Willi Strohl, Jochen Rose, Erich Eiler
  • Patent number: 6152169
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pilot operated low pressure shut off valve. The valve is used within a mattress unit and has an air inlet, an air chamber, an air outlet, a pressure inlet, an adjustable pressure chamber, and a movable shank. The air inlet receives and directs pressurized air into an air chamber. The air chamber directs the pressurized air into the mattress unit when the movable shank opens the air outlet. The movable shank opens the air outlet when (1) the pressure inlet receives and directs a portion of the pressurized air toward an adjustable pressure chamber and (2) the pressurized air is at or above a first predetermined air pressure. When these two conditions are met, the pressurized air enters the adjustable pressure chamber which results in the movable shank moving which in turn opens the air outlet to allow the pressurized air to enter the mattress unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Gaymar Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Roland E. Flick
  • Patent number: 6145536
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for a fuel supply system, having a pressure chamber that communicates with a fuel connection, and having a diaphragm built in on its outer peripheral region in a basic body which partitions off the pressure chamber, wherein the diaphragm is fastened in the peripheral region with a spring ring that is under initial tension and is retained on the basic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Albert Gerhard, Willi Strohl, Jochen Rose, Erich Eiler
  • Patent number: 6142177
    Abstract: A simple ammonia tool bar throttle valve is disclosed which is primarily for use with those systems which will utilize a stripper pump unit to increase the ammonia system pressure prior to the metering devices. The ammonia tool bar throttle receives the metered ammonia at a greater pressure than that of the system storage tank, and enters a lower chamber where it crosses a filter before exiting the unit across a throttle orifice which is throttled by the action of an aluminum throttle diaphragm which separates the lower chamber from a control chamber. The aluminum throttle diaphragm is positioned to maintain the desired mass flow by the forces of a separately regulated ammonia control fluid which is throttled to the control chamber before being bled back to the storage tank across an orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: James Michael Jones
  • Patent number: 6098652
    Abstract: A modular pressure regulator/filter wherein the fuel filter is adapted to be attached to a fuel delivery system of an internal combustion engine and the housing thereof has a projecting wall on the filter housing adjacent to a female opening in the fuel filter housing. This projecting wall has at least one slot therein. A clip is provided and includes a disc portion with a central opening therein for selectively receiving a male outlet conduit from the pressure regulator. A clip projection, which is integral with and movably attached to the disc portion, is adapted to be selectively received into the slot in the projecting wall whereby the clip is held from moving away from the projecting wall. An annular projection on the pressure regulator housing is disposed between the disc portion and the clip projection when the clip projection is in the first position thereof for holding the pressure regulator housing in the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Parr Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy B. Brandt
  • Patent number: 6050292
    Abstract: An absolute pressure regulator valve assembly for controlling the absolute pressure (P.sub.C) of a fluid source. The absolute pressure regulator valve assembly includes a hollow housing having an inlet port and a discharge port. The inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid source. The discharge port is associated with a valve seat. A bellows assembly is positioned within the housing. The bellows assembly has an open first end and a closed second end. The first end is gas-tight sealed to the housing and is in fluid communication with a means for providing a reference pressure (P.sub.R) within the bellows assembly. A valve closure element is attached to the closed end of the bellows assembly. The valve closure element is positioned relative to the valve seat wherein motion of the bellows assembly provides opening and closure of the discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corp.
    Inventors: Isaac Richman, James D. Gehris, Wesley A. King
  • Patent number: 6047728
    Abstract: A pressure regulating valve includes a valve (22') biased closed against seat (21') by spring (7'). An adjustment arrangement including nut (6') and shaft (3') is used to set the spring bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventor: Paul G. Eidsmore
  • Patent number: 6029694
    Abstract: This pressure regulator prevents unpleasant vibration of the closing body. In the pressure regulator, a friction spring that is simple to mount is provided, by means of which the vibration of the closing body can be suppressed or reduced. The pressure regulator is intended in particular for fuel supply systems of motor vehicles that have an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Schwegler, Roland Hoepfl, Wolfgang Bueser, Uwe Talmon, Lorenz Drutu
  • Patent number: 6016831
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure regulator for a fuel system. The pressure regulator includes a housing assembled out of at least two housing parts. A membrane unit is securely installed in a sealed fashion between the housing parts. The securing region that securely holds the two housing parts and the membrane unit in a sealed fashion has an elastic region so that the desired secure connection is assured by simply snapping the two housing parts together. The device is provided in particular for regulating a pressure in a fuel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Bueser, Dietmar Schmieder, Willi Strohl, Dieter Issler, Jochen Rose, Alexander Brand, Rudolf Meidinger, Erich Eiler, Frantisek Buric, Jaroslay Moucka
  • Patent number: 6003539
    Abstract: A differential pressure regulating valve is disclosed which improves sealing performance when the valve closes. The differential pressure regulating valve has a diaphragm and a guide. The guide limits the moving direction of a retainer. A projecting part and an engaging hole engage with one another and reduce deformation of the diaphragm by tolerating a relative movement between the diaphragm and the retainer. A liquid shut-off valve device is also disclosed which incorporates the differential pressure regulating valve and has stable operating characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: NOK Corporation
    Inventor: Koichi Yoshihara
  • Patent number: 6000634
    Abstract: An irrigation sprinkler having a tubular housing having an inlet and adapted to be coupled to a water supply source and an outlet and in which is located an outlet nozzle including a sprinkler outlet. The housing accommodates flow control means coupled at one end to said inlet end and having an outlet which communicates with and is spaced from the sprinkler outlet by a region defined within the housing and constituting an hydraulic quiet zone for ensuring that water flow arrives at the spray outlet with substantially symmetrical distribution and with minimal turbulence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Hydroplan Engineering LTD.
    Inventor: Raphael Mehoudar
  • Patent number: 5984645
    Abstract: A combined compressor pressure sensor and excess pressure relief valve (12) uses a formed disk (22) that snaps down and back up at a pair of predetermined pressures. The disk (22), when it snaps down, opens a plug (34) to in turn allow excess pressure from the compressor (10) to escape. When up, the plug (34) remains sealed, the outside vents (42) remain blocked, and compressor gas flow only through the center of the plug (34) and disk (22) to a sensing chamber (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Larry Donald Cummings
  • Patent number: 5979409
    Abstract: The returnless regulator includes a housing having a movable diaphragm defining a portion of a fuel regulating chamber. A normally open valve receives pressurized fuel from a fuel pump and lies in communication on its opposite side with the chamber. The diaphragm includes a projection engaging a valve element for moving the valve element away from its seat and enabling increased flow of fuel from the fuel pump through the valve into the chamber in response to fuel pressure in the chamber below a predetermined fuel regulation pressure and enabling the valve member for movement toward the valve seat, thereby enabling decreased flow of fuel from the fuel pump through the valve into the chamber in response to a fuel pressure in the chamber above the predetermined fuel regulation pressure. A retainer ring has recesses registering with openings in the lower housing part in communication with the chamber for flowing fuel to the fuel rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Barry Robinson
  • Patent number: 5975115
    Abstract: Known pressure regulator valves for motor vehicles are comprised of a relatively large number of individual parts that have to be assembled at a high cost. In the pressure regulator valve set forth, the stop piece and the housing part are injection molded. This reduces assembly costs in the manufacture of the pressure regulator valve. The pressure regulator valve is particularly suited for fuel delivery systems of motor vehicles with an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Schwegler, Kurt Herbst, Roland Hoepft, Ludwig Baechle, Thomas Gregorius
  • Patent number: 5967120
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a "returnless" fuel delivery system for a motor vehicle includes a fuel pressure regulator located in the fuel tank and a fuel pressure damper located at the fuel rail on the vehicle's engine. The fuel return line from the fuel rail to the fuel tank, a conventional feature in fuel delivery systems, is eliminated. Fuel delivery systems according to the present invention can provide very precise fuel delivery at a highly competitive system cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Michael Blanton, Robert Eugene Wattleworth, Glen Paul Langenderfer, Alvin Arthur Powell, James Witherspoon Mitchell, Jr.