Integral Resilient Member Forms Plural Valves Patents (Class 137/512.15)
  • Patent number: 7413007
    Abstract: A vehicle air-conditioning system includes an air-conditioner and an air outlet for opening and closing an opening formed in a rear part of a vehicle body. A control unit causes the air outlet to open and close the opening in accordance with changes in air conditions in a passenger compartment, so as to keep the passenger compartment environmentally good condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daisuke Yamaoka
  • Publication number: 20080156685
    Abstract: An evacuable, reclosable bag comprising: a receptacle having an interior volume and a mouth; a closure operable to open and close the mouth; a one-way valve penetrating a wall of the receptacle; and a filter attached to the same receptacle wall. The filter is arranged so that any air flowing from the interior volume outward through the one-way valve must flow through the filter before flowing through the valve. The filter may be a mesh or fabric (woven or nonwoven) having openings sized to prevent the passage of particulate matter placed inside the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Linh Pham
  • Patent number: 7392828
    Abstract: An insertion part is provided in the form of a back-flow preventer and which can be inserted in a gas or liquid line. An insertion part is also provided that can be inserted into a gas or liquid line in the form of a flow regulator. The insertion parts are characterizedin that they comprise an annular lip shaped part which, togther with its annular body, is held inside the housing and which has at least one controlling lip (9), with the controlling lip being displaced by the fluid, and/or at least one sealing lip (14). The insertion part can be used in a versatile manner and is characterized by the simple production thereof as well as by having a uniform and reliable functioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Neoperl GmbH
    Inventors: Keith Hart, Michael Söchtig, Christoph Weis
  • Patent number: 7390176
    Abstract: A reed valve having a plurality of tips and associated recesses is provided as a compressor suction valve with each valve tip coacting with a suction port. The recesses are located in the housing structure defining the cylinder of the compressor and are spaced a distance on the order of 0.1 inches from the tips when the suction valve is closed. The valve is secured on one side of the cylinder and each tip is located along a line from the center of the cylinder through the center, or axis, of a suction port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Scott M. MacBain, Ronald J. Duppert
  • Patent number: 7363939
    Abstract: A bleed valve (1) for a pipe into which a non-return function is integrated. The bleed valve is preferably designed to be a thermal valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Anton Fritzer, Tobias Pfleger, Hans-Ulrich Nonnast
  • Patent number: 7350541
    Abstract: A one-way valve allows air to be drawn from a collapsible, flexible, airtight bag using a vacuum source. When the vacuum source is removed, the one-way valve prevents air from re-entering the bag. The valve assembly comprises a base, a valve element supported by the base, and a cap fitted onto an end of the base that is disposed in the exterior of the bag. The base comprises a flange that is disposed in the interior of the bag and is joined to a peripheral area surrounding a hole in one wall of the bag. One surface of the flange has a series of concentric heat-concentrating circular beads for speeding up the conduction heat sealing operation by which the valve assembly is attached to the bag. The valve cap is provided with a circular wall that presses the diaphragm of the valve element against a circular bead on an annular seat formed on the base for supporting the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Kobetsky
  • Publication number: 20080023080
    Abstract: A check valve stop assembly and method of retaining the check valve stop assembly in a check valve flow body without external fixation means, wherein the check valve stop assembly includes a threaded check valve stop insert and a check valve stop housing including a threaded interior sidewall that defines a void space therein. The check valve stop insert is inserted within the void space of the check valve stop housing by mating the threads of the check valve stop insert with those of the check valve stop housing. The check valve stop housing further includes an opening formed in the sidewall through which at least a portion of the check valve stop insert is accessible. The check valve stop insert that is accessible via the opening formed in the sidewall is either coupled to the check valve stop housing or mechanically deformed to prevent removal of the check valve stop insert from within the check valve stop housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: G. Stephen McGonigle, Jeremiah J. Warriner, Joseph J. Jira
  • Patent number: 7311119
    Abstract: A valve apparatus is small, and regulates a fuel amount by restricting a lift amount of a valve. A columnar portion is formed on a pump body. The columnar portion is inserted into a check valve and a washer formed with a protruding portion which protrudes outward from a flange portion, and the check valve and washer are attached or fixed to the pump body by subjecting a tip end of the columnar portion to thermal caulking or the like. An outer diameter of the protruding portion is set to be relatively smaller than an outer diameter of the flange portion such that when the check valve is sandwiched between the protruding portion and pump body, the check valve contacts an outer peripheral edge of the flange portion when the check valve opens. As a result, a lift amount of the valve can be restricted, and a flow rate of fuel passing through a passage can be maintained at a constant level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Mikuni Corporation
    Inventors: Norio Takehana, Noriaki Chiba, Hideki Imamatsu
  • Patent number: 7302971
    Abstract: An umbrella valve includes an umbrella-valve body having a stem, a flexible umbrella, and a flange. The umbrella and the flange are each attached to, and extend radially outward from, the stem. The flange has at least one fluid passage. The umbrella valve can be placed in a valve housing having a sealing-surface portion. The umbrella, when the umbrella-valve body is placed in the valve housing, is pushed away from the sealing-surface portion under a forward fluid flow and is pushed against the sealing-surface portion under a reverse fluid flow. An umbrella-valve assembly includes the umbrella valve and the valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Vernay Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew F. Myntti
  • Patent number: 7302962
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve (12) for relieving air pressure from a passenger compartment (14) of a vehicle (10) includes a base (18) having a peripheral portion (30). A central opening (42) extends through the peripheral portion (30). The pressure relief valve (12) also includes a plurality of flaps (74) for closing the central opening (42) of the base (18). Each flap (74) has an outer end (82) connected with the peripheral portion (30) of the base (18) and an inner end (80) that is movable relative to the peripheral portion (30) and the other flaps (74) for enabling airflow through the central opening (42). Each flap (74) has opposite surfaces (76 and 78) against which air pressure acts. Differential air pressure acts on the opposite surfaces (76 and 78) causing the flap (74) to move to enable airflow through the central opening (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Thomas E. Blake, III, David Call, Brenda Schworer, Daniel D. Carlson
  • Patent number: 7252110
    Abstract: A membrane valve wherein the shutter disk is retained in contact with the valve seat during ejection of liquid or gas by means of one or more ribs that are substantially in contact with the shutter disk along one or more lines secant to the shutter disk and/or by means of one or more rows of secondary clamping pins that are engaged in matching openings on the valve seat. Further, a second stage pressure reducer for two-stage underwater regulators incorporating a membrane valve wherein the shutter disk is retained in contact with the valve seat during exhalation of gas by means of one or more ribs that are substantially in contact with the shutter disk along one or more lines secant to the shutter disk and/or by means of one or more rows of secondary clamping pins that are engaged in matching openings on the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Scubapro Europe SRL
    Inventor: Roberto Semeia
  • Publication number: 20070175523
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a pressure relief assembly that may include an inner shell having at least one air passage, and at least one membrane flap sealingly covering the air passage. The membrane flap is configured to move to open the air passage based on an air pressure level. The assembly may also include an outer shell secured to the inner shell, wherein an air channel is defined between the inner shell and the outer shell. The outer shell is configured to protect said inner shell from moisture. The assembly may also include at least one moisture catching ledge surrounding the air passage. The moisture catching ledge is configured to trap moisture that passes by the membrane flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Levey, Eric G. Parker, Thomas S. King
  • 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: 7243682
    Abstract: A one-way valve with an annular nozzle. The valve body is a truncated cone with an interior fluid manifold. The truncated cone section includes a lower retaining groove and a fluid groove. A fluid conduit connects the interior fluid manifold to the fluid groove. An elastic cylinder having an internal diameter which is smaller than the truncated cone is slipped over the truncated cone. The lower portion of the elastic cylinder slips into the retaining groove. The upper portion rests over the fluid groove. When fluid pressure within the interior fluid manifold exceeds the pressure outside the valve, fluid flows through the conduit and into the fluid groove. This pressure urges the upper portion of the elastic cylinder away from the truncated cone Fluid then flows out through an annular nozzle formed between the upper portion of the elastic cylinder and the upper portion of the truncated cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Raymond V. Brandes
  • Patent number: 7243683
    Abstract: An overpressure valve for a packaging container is disposed on the inside of the packaging material comprising the packaging container. The overpressure valve comprises a base plate, a diaphragm, and a connecting element. The overpressure valve is relatively simple in construction and can be produced economically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Stotkiewitz, Thomas Fischer
  • Patent number: 7228875
    Abstract: Sealing and breathing valve assembly for accumulators comprising: at least one substantially tubular collar associated to the cover of said accumulator and suitable for connecting the external environment with one or more breathing ducts made in said cover; an elastic cap of a substantially tubular shape closed by a bottom amovably coupled to the external surface of said tubular collar. Said cap has at least one first part of a substantially cylindrical surface next to said bottom with a thickness reduced with respect to the remaining part next to the bottom of said cap, said first cap having a radial elastic deformation with respect to the remaining part working as a sealing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Franco Stocchiero
  • Patent number: 7201189
    Abstract: A reed valve having a plate shaped support substrate with a valve hole formed in a central section passing through in a plate thickness direction is provided. A flexible plate-shaped reed covering the valve hole at one surface of the support substrate and having one end in a longitudinal direction that is fixed to the support substrate. The support substrate has a rib extending along a center line in a longitudinal direction of the inside of the valve hole, to divide the valve hole into two spaces. A surface of the rib opposite to the reed is positioned on substantially the same plane as a surface of the support substrate to which the rib is attached, and is adjacent to the reed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroatu Inui, Takanori Osuka
  • Patent number: 7182093
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve (12) for relieving air pressure from a passenger compartment (14) of a vehicle (10) includes a base (18) having a central portion (26) and a peripheral portion (28). A plurality of openings (46) extends through the base (18) and a plurality of flaps (60) closes the openings (46). Each flap (60) is associated with at least one opening (46). An inner end (66) of each flap (60) connects with the central portion (26) of the base (18). An outer end (68) of each flap (60) is movable relative to the central portion (26) of the base (18) and the other flaps for enabling airflow through the at least one associated opening (46). The pressure relief valve (12) further includes a connector (22) on the base (18) that is configured for securing the pressure relief valve (12) to the vehicle (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventors: David Call, Thomas E. Blake, III, Daniel D. Carlson, John J. Strzempko, Brenda Schworer
  • Patent number: 7128089
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical variable fluid flow restrictor includes a support having a passage and a seal surface, a deformable seal that is engageable with the seal surface, and a bias member for exerting an electronically controlled variable bias against the deformable seal. The seal surface includes channels formed in its surface that extend beneath the deformable seal. The bias member can exert a bias sufficient to cause the deformable seal to fill the channels, preventing fluid flow through the channels. When the bias member decreases the bias against the deformable seal, the deformable seal gradually moves out of the channels, allowing fluid flow through the channels, and through the passage in a flow control. The deformable seal does not need to separate from the seal surface to allow fluid flow. Instead, fluid flows through the small, controlled flow areas created when the deformable seal withdraws from the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: H. Bryan Bente, Robert Clark Henderson
  • Patent number: 7082967
    Abstract: An umbrella valve includes an elastic cap, and an elastic stem formed integrally with the cap, having a center hollow portion, having an enlarged hollow portion proximate the cap, and having a bottom. The valve has a needle having an enlarged head at a proximal end thereof for being snugly secured in the enlarged hollow portion of the stem, having a lower lateral hole in a distal portion, having an upper lateral hole proximate the bottom of the stem, and having a lengthwise center passageway connecting the upper and lower lateral holes. A method includes providing a needle for being snugly secured in one of a plurality of elastic caps, the needle having a lengthwise center passageway connecting upper and lower lateral holes. The method includes selecting a cap from among the plurality of elastic caps by determining opening pressure factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Engineered Products & Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kissak T. Sarajian, Michael R. Kohlmann
  • Patent number: 7080660
    Abstract: A relief valve comprising a diaphragm for control of process pressure is provided. The diaphragm has a fluid pressure on a first side and a process pressure on a second side. The second side is engagable with a process void and at least one vent void such that when the process pressure is below the fluid pressure the diaphragm is engaged with the vent void. When the process pressure is above the fluid pressure the diaphragm is not engaged with the vent void.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Jennings
  • Patent number: 7059344
    Abstract: A discharge valve mechanism has a plurality of discharge openings. The discharge openings are placed in an open or closed state by a plate-like valve element. Each of the discharge openings is formed at a respective location between a base end side and a leading end side of the valve element. The number of discharge openings to be placed in the open state is varied depending on the pressure and the flow rate of gas refrigerant discharged from a compression chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Shibamoto, Hirofumi Higashi, Yoshinori Asano, Takashi Shimizu, Kazutaka Hori
  • Patent number: 7044164
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve (10) includes a housing (20) defining an air flow passage (34). A flap (90) overlies the air flow passage (34). At least a portion (92, 94) of the flap (90) is movable, in response to an air pressure differential acting on opposite portions of the flap, between an open condition venting air from one side (18) of the valve (10) to a closed condition blocking flow of air from a second side (19) of the valve. The flap (90) has a plurality of mounting openings (104, 106). The housing (20) has a plurality of generally T-shaped mounting posts (70, 72) projecting from the housing. A snap connection is provided between the flap (90) and the mounting posts (70, 72) to secure the flap to the housing (20) with the mounting posts extending through the openings (104, 106). The mounting posts (70, 72) are the only structure holding the flap (90) on the housing (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventor: Daniel D. Carlson
  • Patent number: 7040345
    Abstract: The invention provides a flap valve for controlling the air pressure within a protected space defined by walls, the flap valve having a valve flap, articulated at least indirectly to the surface of one of the walls and being subjectable to both a sealing force which forces the valve flap against a valve seat surrounding an opening in the wall surface and to an opening force which lifts the flap off the valve seat. The flap valve has a first position in which the protected space is sealed off from a contaminated environment, and a second position in which air from the protected space is allowed to escape into the environment via the opening, wherein the sealing force is a magnetic attraction between a portion of the surface of the valve flap and the valve seat. A method for controlling the air pressure within a protected space is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Beth-El Zikhron-Ya'Aqov Industries, LTD
    Inventors: Samuel Koeger, Albrecht Fuchs
  • Patent number: 7011103
    Abstract: A Vacuum Relief Assembly for I.C. Engine Intakes is disclosed. Also disclosed is a device that permits outside air into the intake tract of an internal combustion engine in the event of an excessively high vacuum condition within the intake tract. Furthermore, the device is constructed from durable materials and resists the excessive temperatures found in the engine compartment of a vehicle. Still further, the device is made from two half-cylindrical sections that mate to one another around the intake tract to form a cylindrical attachment. The method of installation enables the device to be installable onto the intake tract in situ, and without the need to cut out a section of the tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Injen Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ron Delgado
  • Patent number: 7004734
    Abstract: An inlet port 15 is divided into a plurality of holes 15a, 15b, 15c, 15 by ribs 61a, 61b, 61c. For example, when liquid refrigerant is compressed within a compression chamber, the inlet valve 21 receives excessive load which is about to bend the inlet valve 21 largely toward the suction chamber side. However, the inlet valve 21 is supported by the ribs 61a, 61b, 61c, and therefore the inlet valve 21 is hardly bent, but the inlet port 21 is positively closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Zexel Valco Climate Control Corporation
    Inventors: Ryosuke Izawa, Minoru Kanaizuka, Katsuhiko Arai, Katsumi Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 6997206
    Abstract: This invention relates to a pressure compensating valve and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a balanced pressure compensating valve, or regulator. The valve includes a chamber (6) for containing fluid, defined by a flexible barrier (2) trapped between first (3) and second (4) surfaces. A fluid inlet provides fluid to the interior of the chamber. A fluid outlet selectively allows fluid to pass out of the chamber. Movement of the first (3) and second (4) surfaces relative to each other causes change in contact between the flexible barrier and the first and second surfaces to selectively open the fluid outlet, in a first position, and occlude it between the flexible barrier and one of the surfaces, in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventors: Martinus Oliver Klockseth, Bengt Yngve Jervmo Roland, Goran Bertil Claes Berndtsson
  • Patent number: 6988949
    Abstract: A vent valve for use in a constant velocity joint having a vent aperture in communication with a joint chamber comprises a body having a first end and a second end and at least one flat extending therebetween; and an umbrella shaped flexible retention cap disposed adjacent the first end of the body and the at least one flat. The retention cap is operative in a normally closed position to cover the at least one flat and seal the joint from external contaminants, and in response to internal pressure created in the joint cavity, functions to bellow outward and expose the at least one flat to permit air to escape from the chamber. The at least one flat includes a straight-line vent to clean the grease off and away from the vent valve. The vent valve can be made from single or multiple materials, having porous and non-porous properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Shen-Ling Allen Wang
  • Patent number: 6968863
    Abstract: A non-return valve having a circumferential face and a channel with a mouth at one end of the channel and located in a groove having circumferential edges which are adjustable and fixable relative to each other and a valve comprising a O-ring manufactured of an elastic material for releasing the mouth at a predetermined pressure in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Inventor: Franciscus Roffelsen
  • Patent number: 6945277
    Abstract: The invention concerns an underpressure valve with a multi-part housing and a disc-like closing body which has at least one opening, and with an opening-free section disposed in alignment with the flow channel of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: J. Schmalz GmbH
    Inventors: Kurt Schmalz, Gernot Schmierer, Thomas Eisele, Daniel Heine, Dieter Geissler, Leonhard Harter, Daniel Grözinger
  • Patent number: 6942472
    Abstract: A head pressure relief assembly for relieving pressure in the head assembly of an air compressor may include an exhaust valve post formed in the head assembly and an exhaust valve assembly comprised of a flapper valve. An aperture may be formed through the exhaust valve post for venting the head assembly prior to start of the compressor assembly. The flapper valve is capable of engaging the exhaust valve post to close the aperture at least partially for preventing flow from the head assembly through the aperture during the compression stroke of the compressor assembly piston. A head pressure relief assembly may also include an aperture disposed in the head assembly, a connecting tube therefor, or a check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: DeVilbiss Air Power Company
    Inventor: Edward A. Sieberg
  • Patent number: 6923181
    Abstract: A system is disclosed comprising a high pressure gases source: for example a compressor, a low cross section conduit adapted to convey gases from the compressor, and a patient interface delivering gases to the patient. The patient interface includes valve member which is substantially closed during inspiration and venting externally during expiration. The combination of the low cross section and lightweight conduit and the valve member result in increased patient comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventor: Winton Charles Tuck
  • Patent number: 6913450
    Abstract: A suction valve coupling structure for a reciprocating compressor is disclosed in which a piston being linearly moved in a cylinder upon receipt of driving force from an electric mechanism unit, according to which gas flows through a gas flow passage formed therein, is coupled by welding to a valve for opening and closing the gas flow passage, thereby strengthening the coupling state of the suction valve. Since the coupling structure is simplified, a dead volume is reduced and a stroke volume is increased, improving compression efficiency. A stroke control of the piston is facilitated to enable a precise control of movement of the piston. In addition, a reliability of the coupling of the suction valve can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: LG Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Seong-Joon Hong, Bon-Cheol Ku, Hyeong-Suk Kim, Hyung-Pyo Yoon
  • Patent number: 6899126
    Abstract: A check valve is mounted in a valve arrangement having a valve member with an annular channel and at least one bore opening into the annular channel. The check valve has a closing element configured to close the at least one bore in the annular channel. The closing element is formed of a strip shaped as a ring. The strip of the check valve is arranged in the annular channel of the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Hydraulik-Ring GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Weigand, Marius Cornea, Lorenz Lippert, Edwin Palesch, Gerold Sluka
  • Patent number: 6886591
    Abstract: A relief valve comprising a diaphragm for control of process pressure is provided. The diaphragm has a fluid pressure on a first side and a process pressure on a second side. The second side is engagable with a process void and at least one vent void such that when the process pressure is below the fluid pressure the diaphragm is engaged with the vent void. When the process pressure is above the fluid pressure the diaphragm is not engaged with the vent void.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Jeffery D. Jennings
  • Patent number: 6848471
    Abstract: A check valve is placed in a conduit for pressurized fluids, and comprises a cylindrical external housing having inlet and outlet ends, a cylindrical internal spigot, and an elastomeric sleeve fitted over the spigot. It is sealed at the second end, and has a plurality of radially directed vent apertures along its length. The elastomeric sleeve is securely fitted to the internal spigot, in the region of the first, inlet end. The elastomeric sleeve has an internal diameter and an elastic memory such that it fits and adheres snugly to the outer periphery of the spigot, and its elasticity is overcome at a positive gauge pressure of between 5 and 20 psi so that pressurized fluid will flow from the vent apertures. Backflow of fluid at substantially zero or negative gauge pressure is precluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Hercules Valve Inc.
    Inventors: Roberto Floh, Richard Spindler
  • Patent number: 6840745
    Abstract: A diaphragm pump comprises a two part casing formed of a front cover (10) and a back cover (12). A diaphragm plate (14) extends across the covers (10,12) and is secured therebetween when the covers (10,12) are fastened together. The diaphragm plate (14) has a plurality of similarly defined circular regions (16). The front cover (10) has substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet ports (18), each leading to mutually exclusive inlet and outlet chambers (22,24) respectively. A valve housing (26) is securable inside the front cover (10) and has defined therein an outlet dished valve seat (28) with a correspondingly concave resilient valve (30) seated therein. The outlet valve seat (28) has fluid passages therethrough. A plurality of inlet valve seats (34) is provided, equal in number to the number of regions, each being similarly dished and having a correspondingly concave resilient valve (36) seated therein. Each inlet valve seat (34) has fluid passages therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Munster Simms Engineering Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Macauley, Michael Evason, Robert Stanley McFarland
  • Patent number: 6837268
    Abstract: A one-way valve allows air to be drawn from a collapsible, flexible, air-tight bag using a vacuum source. When the vacuum source is removed, the one-way valve prevents air from re-entering the bag. A filter is placed on the valve body to prevent small particles from the bag from clogging the valve or the vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Janet L. Skeens, Gerald W. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 6837265
    Abstract: A one-way valve includes a plate and a flexible vane. The plate has a vent opening of a first size and shape. The plate has a first curvature. The flexible vane has a second curvature distinct from the first curvature. The vane is fixed to the plate in a manner facilitating the deflection of the vane between an open position and a closed position. The vane is in a bent condition in the closed position. The vane conforms to the first curvature of the plate over the vent opening, and covers the vent opening in the closed position. The vane is elastic throughout a range of deflection associated with the vane moving between the closed position and the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Ligon Brothers Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Porter, Andrew L. Patrius, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040261867
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve (10) includes a housing (20) defining an air flow passage (34). A flap (90) overlies the air flow passage (34). At least a portion (92, 94) of the flap (90) is movable, in response to an air pressure differential acting on opposite portions of the flap, between an open condition venting air from one side (18) of the valve (10) to a closed condition blocking flow of air from a second side (19) of the valve. The flap (90) has a plurality of mounting openings (104, 106). The housing (20) has a plurality of generally T-shaped mounting posts (70, 72) projecting from the housing. A snap connection is provided between the flap (90) and the mounting posts (70, 72) to secure the flap to the housing (20) with the mounting posts extending through the openings (104, 106). The mounting posts (70, 72) are the only structure holding the flap (90) on the housing (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventor: Daniel D. Carlson
  • Patent number: 6830074
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint vent for use in a constant velocity joint of automotive vehicles. The constant velocity joint vent includes a flapper valve generally having a circular shape. The constant velocity joint vent also includes a first and second assembly post extending from an inside surface of the flapper valve. A circumferential compression limiter is also located on an inside surface of the flapper valve. The flapper valve also includes a sealing bead located at the outer periphery thereof. The flapper valve is connected via the first and second assembly post to a cover that includes an orifice for venting of high pressure gas to the outer atmosphere while also repelling contaminants from entering the constant velocity joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Shen-Ling Allen Wang
  • Patent number: 6827105
    Abstract: A valve for controlling flow of fluid through an aperture in a barrier comprises a valve body including a pin and having a continuous sealing surface surrounding at least one opening through the valve body, and a diaphragm of resilient material. The diaphragm has an opening surrounded by an inner margin and is disposed with the pin extending through the opening and with a main surface presented towards the continuous sealing surface of the valve body. The inner margin of the diaphragm is in a state of tension around the pin of the valve body, whereby the diaphragm is prestressed to a condition in which the main surface of the diaphragm engages the sealing surface of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Keamark, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Marble, Charles C. Kirkham
  • Patent number: 6817374
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a check valve includes an outer region and a central region. One or more cuts wind from the outer region towards the central region. In the presence of flow along one direction, the check valve opens by extending the central region away from the outer region. In the presence of flow in the reverse direction, the check valve closes by retracting the central region towards the outer region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Onstenk, Erik E. Erlandson
  • Patent number: 6767193
    Abstract: Between a cylinder block and a housing, there is disposed a valve base plate. The valve base plate is formed with mutually isolated first and second intake openings for fluidly communicating each of piston chambers in the cylinder block with an intake chamber defined in the housing. A reed valve element is incorporated with each piston chamber. The reed valve element is arranged to open the first and second intake openings with the aid of a fluid when the piston is moved away from the reed valve element and close the first and second intake openings with the aid of the fluid when the piston is moved toward the reed valve element. Due to provision of the two, viz., first and second intake openings, opening movement of the reed valve element is carried out along with a twisting motion of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Ryuichi Hirose, Hiroyasu Nadamoto
  • Patent number: 6758236
    Abstract: The present invention is a self-acting valve, and it may specifically be used for air mattresses. This self-acting valve consists of a housing, a membrane and a base. After a quick inflation, the elastic airtight membrane positioned within the housing reverts to its original shape and instantly shuts off the outlets, which prevents air from leaking out. This valve is able to operate automatically to form a perfect airtight seal. The structure of this valve is simple, reliable, and practical, which makes it a new type of self-acting valve for an air mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Senyuan Xie
  • Publication number: 20040060593
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a check valve includes an outer region and a central region. One or more cuts wind from the outer region towards the central region. In the presence of flow along one direction, the check valve opens by extending the central region away from the outer region. In the presence of flow in the reverse direction, the check valve closes by retracting the central region towards the outer region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: David Onstenk, Erik E. Erlandson
  • Publication number: 20040045606
    Abstract: A seal assembly for an air pump having a barrel, a piston slidably received in the barrel has a cylindrical seal adapted to be received in a nozzle of the barrel and having a flat portion and a head provided with a passage adapted to selectively communicate with the nozzle of the barrel and a space in the flat portion and a circular seal sandwiched between a baffle plate and the flat portion of the cylindrical seal. The circular seal has holes selectively communicating with the space of the flat portion of the cylindrical seal and the through hole of the baffle plate and a boss detachably received in the through hole so that when the boss is received in the through hole, communication of the nozzle, the passage, the space and the through is blocked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventor: Hsi-Kung Yang
  • Publication number: 20040045605
    Abstract: A check valve is placed in a conduit for pressurized fluids, and comprises a cylindrical external housing having inlet and outlet ends, a cylindrical internal spigot, and an elastomeric sleeve fitted over the spigot. It is sealed at the second end, and has a plurality of radially directed vent apertures along its length. The elastomeric sleeve is securely fitted to the internal spigot, in the region of the first, inlet end. The elastomeric sleeve has an internal diameter and an elastic memory such that it fits and adheres snugly to the outer periphery of the spigot, and its elasticity is overcome at a positive gauge pressure of between 5 and 20 psi so that pressurized fluid will flow from the vent apertures. Backflow of fluid at substantially zero or negative gauge pressure is precluded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Roberto Floh, Richard Spindler
  • Patent number: 6699129
    Abstract: A constant velocity joint vent for use in a constant velocity joint of automotive vehicles. The constant velocity joint vent includes a flapper valve generally having a circular shape. The constant velocity joint vent also includes a first and second assembly post extending from an inside surface of the flapper valve. A circumferential compression limiter is also located on an inside surface of the flapper valve. The flapper valve also includes a sealing bead located at the outer periphery thereof. The flapper valve is connected via the first and second assembly post to a cover that includes an orifice for venting of high pressure gas to the outer atmosphere while also repelling contaminants from entering the constant velocity joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: GKN Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Shen-Ling Allen Wang
  • Patent number: 6695006
    Abstract: A flow control includes a support having a passage and a seal surface, a deformable seal that is engageable with the seal surface, and a bias member for exerting a variable bias against the deformable seal. The seal surface includes channels formed in its surface that extend beneath the deformable seal. The bias member can exert a bias sufficient to cause the deformable seal to fill the channels, preventing fluid flow through the channels. When the bias member decreases the bias against the deformable seal, the deformable seal gradually moves out of the channels, allowing fluid flow through the channels, and through the passage in the flow control. The deformable seal does not need to separate from the seal surface to allow fluid flow. Instead, fluid flows through the small, controlled flow areas created when the deformable seal withdraws from the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandru Neagoe, Alan D. Loux, Phil Bucay