Ball Valves Patents (Class 137/519.5)
  • Patent number: 11291348
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pump for transmitting washing water and generating steam and a dishwasher including the pump. The pump includes a housing; a washing water inlet pipe coupled to the housing to receive washing water; a washing water outlet pipe coupled to the housing to discharge the washing water; an impeller disposed in the housing to discharge the washing water from the washing water inlet pipe to the washing water outlet pipe; a heater coupled to the housing to heat the washing water in the housing and generate steam; a steam discharge pipe to discharge the steam generated by the heater; and a selector valve coupled to the steam discharge pipe to block the discharge of the washing water and allow the steam to be discharged, thereby preventing the discharge of washing water through the steam discharge pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sangwoo Woo, Youngsoo Kim, Hyungman Park
  • Patent number: 10556575
    Abstract: A low-pressure vehicle braking system and method of operation that controls the supply of brake fluid based on the pressure differential between left and right master cylinders associated with the different wheel brakes allowing for pressure harmonization between the left and right wheel brake circuits and a brake system module suitable for installation on an existing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: AGCO International GmbH
    Inventor: Guillaume Boulivan
  • Patent number: 10254202
    Abstract: Automated system configured to perform and methods for performing one or more slide processing operations on slides bearing biological samples. The system and methods enable high sample throughput while also minimizing or limiting the potential for cross-contamination of slides. The automated systems can include features that facilitate consistency, controllability of processing time, and/or processing temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kayla Capps, Henning Groll, Brian Howard Kram, Matthew Mette, Ali Mousavi, Christine Tse, Glen Ward, Daniel O'Connor, Troy Paluszcyk, Benjamin David Randall, Ken Stumpe
  • Patent number: 10234213
    Abstract: A heat transport device with a diphasic working fluid contained in a general closed circuit, includes an evaporator having a microporous body suitable for providing capillary pumping of liquid phase fluid; a condenser; a tank having an inner space, with a liquid portion and a gas portion; and an inlet/outlet arranged at the liquid portion, wherein the volume of the liquid portion can vary between a minimum volume and a maximum volume. The gas portion of the tank contains the vapor phase of the working fluid, at a first partial pressure, and a noncondensable auxiliary gas at a second partial pressure, wherein the second partial pressure is greater than the first partial pressure, at least when the liquid portion is at the minimum volume thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: EURO HEAT PIPES
    Inventor: Vincent Dupont
  • Patent number: 10094697
    Abstract: An input circuit includes a rectifier circuit that rectifies an excitation current obtained from a converter, and a constant voltage circuit that receives output of the rectifier circuit and performs control so that a power supply voltage is maintained constant. A power supply voltage source switching unit switches the source of a power supply voltage used in a calibrator to the constant voltage circuit when the converter is a converter of a four-wire electromagnetic flowmeter, and switches the source of the power supply voltage to a battery when the converter is a converter of a two-wire electromagnetic flowmeter. A remaining capacity indicator provides a remaining battery capacity indication in accordance with the voltage of the battery. When the converter is a converter of a four-wire electromagnetic flowmeter and it is determined that the battery is not in a battery holder, the remaining capacity indicator stops providing a remaining battery capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: AZBIL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Osamu Momose
  • Patent number: 9528618
    Abstract: A check valve filter assembly is configured to be used with an isolation cartridge of an anti-lock braking system. The check valve filter assembly includes a main body formed of a first material. The main body includes an internal check valve bore. The assembly also includes a separate and distinct bore insert formed of a second material that differs from the first material. The bore insert may be secured over a surface of the internal check valve bore. The bore insert is configured to sealingly engage a check ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, INC.
    Inventor: Michael S. Hayes
  • Patent number: 9363930
    Abstract: In an example embodiment, a cooling system is a pumpless passive system, and includes a cold plate configured to receive a flow of liquid coolant and to output a flow of vapor phase coolant, where the cold plate includes at least one heat pipe adapted therein to provide for transfer of the liquid coolant to the vapor phase coolant, a first connection member coupled to the at least one heat pipe, a first conduit coupled to the first connection member, the first conduit extending vertically to enable at least the vapor phase coolant to travel through the first conduit, and a heat exchanger located above and coupled to the first conduit, where the heat exchanger is to transfer the vapor phase coolant to the liquid coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: TECO-Westinghouse Motor Company
    Inventors: Devdatta P. Kulkarni, Thomas Keister
  • Patent number: 9234544
    Abstract: A linear motion guide device includes a slider slidably attached onto a guide rail, an end cap having an inner side attached to the slider, the end cap includes an inlet for receiving a lubricating fluid, two chambers formed in two legs, a passage communicating with the chambers, a guiding pathway communicating with the inlet and the passage for separating the passage into two passageways which are communicating with the chambers of the end cap respectively, and a follower is slidably engaged in the guiding pathway and movable toward either the passageways of the end cap for partially blocking and for limiting the flowing of the lubricating fluid to the passageways of the end cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: Hiwin Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Min Yao Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9138767
    Abstract: A sprinkler for producing a fixed spray pattern includes an inner flow conduit having a nozzle at an outlet. A filter screen is held in place beneath the nozzle. The filter screen engages a push rod of a valve of a flow stop mechanism. The push rod spaces a valve member away from a valve seat to permit water flow through the inner flow conduit when the filter screen and nozzle are in place. If the nozzle is removed or if the inner conduit is severed, the filter screen can be removed, which causes the valve member to close under the force of water pressure and to shut off flow through the inner flow conduit. The valve is located upstream of parts that are vulnerable to damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Signature Control Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Michael Franks, Donnie Russell Fisher, Brian John Smith
  • Patent number: 8760850
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing and a purge valve. The housing defines a cavity and a lumen extending from a volume of the cavity to a volume outside the cavity. The purge valve is disposed within the lumen and includes an occlusion member. A portion of the occlusion member has a width substantially equal to a width of an end portion of the lumen such that the portion of the occlusion member is disposed within the end portion of the lumen when the purge valve is in a first configuration. The portion of the occlusion member being disposed outside the end portion of the lumen when the purge valve is in a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Ioxus, Inc.
    Inventors: Thor E. Eilertsen, Chad Hall, Lothar Franz Bieg
  • Patent number: 8607746
    Abstract: An expansion tank is disclosed in which a non-return valve is fitted in an outlet port of the expansion tank to limit backflow of coolant into the expansion tank in the event that the pressure in the expansion tank falls below the pressure in a return conduit thereby preventing the expansion tank from filling with coolant. The non-return valve and the expansion tank are formed as a single component and the non-return valve is located in an outlet port of the expansion tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Land Rover
    Inventor: William Richard Hutchins
  • Patent number: 8408228
    Abstract: A flow control device is comprised of a body/connector, a simplified sliding cord, a sealing device, and a stopper. The body/connector connects an overhead sprinkler to a supply line by means of male threaded ends. The body/connector is comprised of a wrench connector, which is located between the two male threaded ends, a guiding tube that sits on the top side of the body/connector with the assistance of the supporting ribs. The guiding tube guides the sliding cord up and down inside the flow control device and sprinkler. The sliding cord is made from a material that is flexible enough to bend inside the supply line and strong enough to return to its original straight shape. The stopper and the sealing device are connected to each other with the sliding cord. The sealing device sits against the sealing surface of the body/connector if the sprinkler head is missing. The stopper prevents the sealing device from making contact with the body/connector during normal operational conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Felipe Ernesto Jimenez
  • Patent number: 8403241
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter case for a shower having a function of adjusting a quantity of outflow of a filling material, the filter case including: a cylindrical body having a predetermined length and one end portion opened, for containing a filling material into the interior thereof; and an outflow quantity-adjusting means having a fixing part having one or more communicating holes adapted to communicate with the interior and exterior of the body, the fixing part being fitted to one end portion opened of the body and a rotating part having a discharge hole formed at the inside thereof in such a manner as to be passed through the upper and lower surfaces thereof, the rotating part being screw-coupled to the inner periphery of the fixing part so as to block the communicating holes of the fixing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: KNTEC Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ji-Haeng Jung
  • Patent number: 8312889
    Abstract: A combination flow control and reverse flow check valve provides a compact valve unit for controlling the flow of fluid in a downstream direction and limiting undesired backflow of liquid into a source such as a reservoir. The flow control and reverse flow check valve may be provided as a unitary member having a housing with an upstream end configured for mounting to the liquid source, a fluid conveying channel within the housing, and a check element positioned in the channel between the flow control valve, such as a ball valve, and a seat which is complementally configured with the check element to normally seal against backflow. A blocking element may be provided to prevent interference of the check element with the operation of the flow control valve while permitting liquid to flow in an intended downstream direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Snyder Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell A. Oltman, Larry D. Thomas, Thomas P. O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20110214760
    Abstract: The invention is a device which works similar to a ‘liquor dispenser’. To use the invention the original cap on the beverage carton must be screwed off. The invention screws onto a screw top beverage carton (usually milk/cream carton also referred to as a Gable Top Carton usually made of a cardboard type material). It has a straight pour spout which always keep the spout in pouring position and two chambers. These chambers contain steel balls that function according to angle and pressure when the invention is secured onto the beverage carton threaded neck and is raised to pour liquid into a cup. The steel ball in the main chamber acts as a stopper. This occurs when a specified amount of liquid has rushed through the two side hollow windows of the chamber and out of the spout. When the ball rolls to the top wall of the main chamber it blocks excessive liquid from exiting the spout thus creating a measured serving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Emile Ortiz Greaves
  • Publication number: 20100139787
    Abstract: A gas overflow safety protector comprises a main body including a longitudinal passage for gas; a gas overflow protecting valve disposed in the inlet of the longitudinal passage, which keeps opened under a normal gas pressure and keeps closed under an abnormal gas pressure of overflow; wherein said gas overflow protecting valve including: a valve body including a longitudinal through hole, said longitudinal through hole including a larger-diameter portion as an inlet and a smaller-diameter portion as an outlet, and at least part of the inner wall of said larger-diameter portion being made from magnetic material; a valve core, being a ball made by magnetizer, movably disposed in said larger-diameter portion of the longitudinal through hole for opening or closing said smaller-diameter portion. Compared with the prior art, the gas overflow safety protector of the present invention does not include a spring element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: XUEBO LI
  • Publication number: 20090223574
    Abstract: An insertable backflow preventer is presented. The backflow preventer is provided with a cylindrical housing. The housing has a flow transition zone, a proximal orifice/ball seat, a ball with a specific weight that equals or is close to the specific weight of the surrounding fluid, and a distal retaining screen. The housing can have a flange provided on the outside of the housing at one end to facilitate securing the valve in a pipe. The valve is self-cleaning, can be placed in any orientation in a pipe and has low hydraulic head-loss. The valve's unique cost-effective design provides for easy and relative quick installation, eliminates the need to reconfigure existing plumbing, and can be performance tested remotely. Properly installed, it can dramatically improve the security of, for example, potable water sources in a building or other context, and inasmuch as when installed it is not visible, it is tamper proof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Albert Montague
  • Patent number: 7500968
    Abstract: A urine collection apparatus includes an adaptable reservoir that is sized and shaped for conveniently and effectively being transported by a user. The reservoir includes a top portion including an intake valve in fluid communication with the reservoir. The intake valve is provided with an opening such that the male catheter can be selectively biased in fluid communication with an interior of the reservoir. Such an intake valve further has a threaded screw cap directly and adjustably coupled thereto for effectively allowing a selected quantity of air to continuously flow into and out of the reservoir wherein the quantity of air is commensurate with a quantity of fluid discharging and entering the reservoir respectively. The intake valve preferably has a monolithically formed conical tip that terminates proximal to the top portion such that the male catheter can effectively be supported at a fixed relationship with the reservoir during operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas P. Nappa, Michael J. Nappa
  • Patent number: 7331564
    Abstract: A solenoid-operated valve includes a valve body defining a valving bore for providing a path of communication between axially spaced inlet and outlet ports. A solenoid assembly is attached to the valve body and includes an inductor coil, a fixed flux guide and an armature, which is movable axially between a first position and a second position in response to electrical energization of the inductor coil. A valve member is disposed within the valving bore intermediate the inlet and outlet ports. An elongated control member interconnects the armature and the valve member for conjoined axial movement. A generally annular valve seat is disposed within the valving bore between the inlet port and valve member, the valve seat including a central through bore through which the control member extends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alejandro Moreno, Viswanathan Subramanian, Santos Burrola
  • Patent number: 7318592
    Abstract: According to the invention, there is provided a steering damper (10) in which the interior of a cylinder (12) is divided into two oil chambers (A), (B) by a piston (14) which slides in the cylinder (12) as a steering operation takes place, an oil hole (15) is formed in the piston (14) for providing a communication between the two oil chambers (A), (B) and a bypass passageway (16) is provided for allowing oil in one (A or B) of the oil chambers to flow into the other oil chamber (B or A) by bypassing the oil hole (15), the motorcycle steering damper being characterized in that a subsidiary chamber (17) is defined at an intermediate position along the length of the bypass passageway (16), and in that a check ball (18) is provided in the subsidiary chamber (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tadamitsu Iwamoto, Takafumi Fujimori
  • Patent number: 7194857
    Abstract: A ventilation valve of a hydraulic jack is dedicated to be mounted at an outer wall of an oil storage tank of a hydraulic jack. The hydraulic jack includes a valve seat, a valve ball, and a cap. When the jack is not operated, a valve hole is opened; the vent of the cap is communicated with the oil storage tank of the jack so as to maintain the equilibrium of the pressure of the oil storage tank; thereby the piston of the pump can suck oil successfully so that the oil is absorbed into the oil chamber of the pump to be saturated therein. At the moment that the valve ball ejects upwards rapidly, the oil buffer chamber can buffer high pressure draining oil until the oil return operation of the jack is accomplished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Shinn Fu Corporation
    Inventor: Victor Hung
  • Patent number: 7171981
    Abstract: A flow control valve has a ball and an annular seat providing a positive stop for automatically preventing flow through the valve when a line downstream has been broken. The flow control valve is useful for interior applications in which seepage through the valve would be unacceptable and in which both hot and cold water lines need to be protected. A magnet may aid in positioning the ball. Sensors may be used to detect positions of the ball. A flow control system that includes the flow control valve may include any of a variety of interchangeable components for facilitating incorporation of the flow control valve in a water or other fluid line. Another embodiment includes a mechanism for detecting and stopping flow due to slow leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Watersav Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Shade, James Starace
  • Patent number: 7108281
    Abstract: An inflator (12) includes structure (40, 50, 82) defining a chamber (130). First and second passages (92 and 116) extend through the structure (40, 50, 82). A burst disk (120) closes the first passage (116). A valve housing (142) is received in the second passage (92) and defines a fill passage (154). A fluid (186) is stored under pressure in the chamber (130). An igniter (70) is actuatable for opening the burst disk (120) for enabling the fluid (186) to flow out of the chamber (130) through the first passage (116). A valve member (144) enables flow of the fluid (186) through the fill passage (154) of the valve housing (142) into the chamber (130) and prevents flow out of the chamber (130) through the fill passage (154).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: TRW Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Butler, Jeffery A. Lafranier, Christopher J. Ruf, James S. Dahl
  • Patent number: 7104277
    Abstract: The invention concerns a control valve (c) for internal gas pressure of a liquid tank co-operating with an orifice (10) provided in the upper part thereof, allowing through a gas flow outside the tank when the difference between the internal pressure and the external pressure reaches a predetermined threshold, and an inverse flow when the internal pressure of the tank is lower than the external pressure. The invention is characterised in that the valve comprises a body (1) whereof the lower part is configured to close the tank orifice (10) with a mass such that beyond said pressure differential value constituting the predetermined threshold, the body (1) is spaced apart from the orifice (10), said body (1) further comprising a through recess (4) arranged in the extension of the tank orifice (10) when they are in contact, said recess (4) being provided with closing means (3) capable of being activated when the differential pressure between the tank and outside atmosphere is positive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Michel Hernandez, Aime Goubely, Bruno Sertier
  • Patent number: 7033134
    Abstract: An air turbine starter is provided that includes a check valve assembly for placement between a first environment, at least a portion of which is at a first pressure (P1), and a second environment, at least a portion of which is at a second pressure (P2), wherein the difference between the first and second pressures generate a pressure force (Fp). The check valve assembly comprises a valve element disposed between the valve seat and the valve body, the valve element capable of being acted upon by a gravitational force (Fw), a viscous force of the fluid to be communicated between the gearbox assembly and the starter housing (Fv), a buoyancy force of the valve element (Fb), and the pressure force on the valve element (Fp), the valve element further configured to translate axially to a closed position when P2<P1 and Fw<Fv+Fb+Fp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent L. Bristol, Louie T. Gaines, William A. Facinelli, David M. Mathis
  • Patent number: 6981516
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus that acts as a fail save shut off valve. More specifically, the invention relates to a fail save shut off valve that allows fluid flow during normal operational conditions, but prevents the flow of fluids in the event of system failure upstream that causes over-pressurization. The present invention is particularly well suited for use in conjunction with hot gas filtering systems, which utilize ceramic candle filters. Used in such a hot gas system the present invention stops the flow of hot gas and prevents any particulate laden gas from entering the clean side of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: John VanOsdol
  • Patent number: 6840917
    Abstract: The invention relates to a subcutaneous valve having opening pressure that can be adjusted non-invasively from the outside, said valve comprising a body presenting a chamber with a cylindrical inside side wall, an inlet duct and an outlet duct for cerebospinal fluid both opening out in said side wall, a valve member such as a ball placed at the inside end of said inlet duct, a spring blade fitting closely to the side wall of said chamber and urging the valve member against its seat, and a moving member controlled from the outside and provided with means for locking it in a determined position, the length of the spring blade acting on the valve member being determined by the position of said moving member. The valve is remarkable in that said moving member is constituted by a resilient flexible arcuate blade fitting closely to the cylindrical inside wall of said chamber. The valve is applicable to the treatment of hydrocephalus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Bernard Marion
  • Patent number: 6543474
    Abstract: A flapper-type anti-siphoning check valve for a domestic water system has an auxiliary valve built into the flapper. The auxiliary valve permits slow reverse flow of water through the check valve when the flapper is closed to prevent build-up of pressure in the user's water system, but closes as a result of more rapid reverse flow of water in the event of a sudden drop in supply pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Roy A. Fetterman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6536328
    Abstract: A damper valve (70) located between a control valve (18) and a power steering motor (22) in a hydraulic power-assisted steering system (10). The damper valve (70) comprises a housing (72) having axially opposite first and second end portions (76 and 78) and an intermediate portion (80) interposed between the first and second end portions (76 and 78). The first end portion (76) is for fluid communication with the control valve (18) and the second end portion (78) is for fluid communication with the power steering motor (22). A flow restricting element (114) is located within the housing (72) and is movable through portions of the housing (72) including the intermediate portion (80) by fluid flow through the housing (72). The damper valve (70) further includes a biasing element (106) for restraining movement of the flow restricting element (114) toward the first end portion (76) of the housing (72).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard W. Engler
  • Publication number: 20020157711
    Abstract: A damper valve (70) located between a control valve (18) and a power steering motor (22) in a hydraulic power-assisted steering system (10). The damper valve (70) comprises a housing (72) having axially opposite first and second end portions (76 and 78) and an intermediate portion (80) interposed between the first and second end portions (76 and 78). The first end portion (76) is for fluid communication with the control valve (18) and the second end portion (78) is for fluid communication with the power steering motor (22). A flow restricting element (114) is located within the housing (72) and is movable through portions of the housing (72) including the intermediate portion (80) by fluid flow through the housing (72). The damper valve (70) further includes a biasing element (106) for restraining movement of the flow restricting element (114) toward the first end portion (76) of the housing (72).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard W. Engler
  • Patent number: 6439506
    Abstract: A ventilation valve cooperating with a breathing channel for a fuel tank of a helicopter has a safety device arranged in a valve housing of the ventilation valve. To seal the breathing channel from the tank when a connection between the fuselage cell and the tank is released or disrupted, e.g. in a crash, the safety device includes a spring-loaded plunger (15), a retainer (22), and a movable seal element (10). To allow the tank container to be filled essentially full, and to ensure the ongoing reliable functioning of the breathing channel, the seal element (10) is a buoyant valve ball (10) that seals the breathing channel (81) of the fuel extraction or discharge tank (4) if the fuel level (711) in the tank (4) rises up into the valve (8). Also, the breathing channel (81) is connected with the breathing channel (71) of a main fuel tank (3) by a connecting channel (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Schlegel, Klaus Wojatschek
  • Patent number: 6416713
    Abstract: A method of assembly of a fluid dispenser of an apparatus for an automated biological reaction system is provided. In the processing of a biological reaction system, there is a need for consistently placing an amount of fluid on a slide. In order to accomplish this, several methods are used including a consistency pulse and a volume adjust means. Moreover, in order to reliably operate an automated biological reaction system, the dispenser must be reliable, easy to assemble and accurate. Among other things, in order to accomplish this, the dispense chamber is substantially in line with the reservoir chamber, the reservoir chamber piston is removed, and the flow of fluid through the dispenser is simplified. Further, in order to operate the automated biological reaction system more reliably, the system is designed in modular pieces with higher functions performed by a host device and the execution of the staining operations performed by remote devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Ford, Darin McDaniel, Stephen Mead, William Richards, Wayne Showalter, Bobbi Druyor-Sanchez, Bronwen Heilman, Brian McGraw
  • Patent number: 6341618
    Abstract: A method for installing plumbing fixtures in a multi-story building having a waste stack includes a stop valve between the waste output of each fixture and the waste stack, the valve allowing the waste water to flow from the fixture toward the waste stack, but preventing flow from the waste stack back into the plumbing fixture. The valve has a cylindrical body, a lower assembly and an upper assembly, which together form a water-tight structure, with threaded outlets in each assembly. Within the body there is suspended a stop ball having a diameter larger than that of the ball seat in the upper outlet. When water attempts to back up from the waste stack in the direction of the stop valve, the ball is forced against the upper seat and blocks the water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventor: Rudolph V. Ricci
  • Patent number: 6314988
    Abstract: A flood control valve assembly designed to be removably connected to the outer or exposed end of a drain pipe and structured to allow water to enter the drain pipe in the conventional fashion but prevent water from issuing from the open, outer end of the drain pipe such as during heavy rain and/or flood conditions. The valve assembly includes a tubular housing having a hollow interior and oppositely disposed open ends which define a path of liquid flow through the housing. The housing is removably secured on the interior of the drain pipe immediately adjacent to the open end thereof and further includes a buoyant material valve member movably mounted within the housing and being positionable into an out of a closed position relative to a valve seat secured adjacent to the outer end of the housing dependent upon the direction of water flow through the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Karl Smith
  • Patent number: 6263912
    Abstract: A fluid flow control valve within a pop-up sprinkler arrests fluid flow through a riser of the pop-up sprinkler under abnormal flow conditions, such as when the riser is broken or a sprinkler head is removed from the riser. The riser, which is movable relative to a housing of the pop-up sprinkler, is attached to a sprinkler head which distributes water to the surrounding area. A valve seat device is disposed within the riser. A stopper is positioned within a valve passageway defined by the valve seat device. The stopper selectively engages the valve seat to inhibit water flow through the riser under abnormal flow conditions. A biasing device prevents the stopper from engaging with the valve seat under normal flow conditions. A fluid flow control valve assembly within a swing joint of an irrigation system includes a first within a first elbow fitting and a second valve within a second elbow fitting. The first and second elbow fittings are movable relative to each other and together form the swing joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Whetstone Group International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Brown, Christopher J. Gyben, Edward M. Norum
  • Patent number: 6263911
    Abstract: A flow control valve arrests fluid flow from a primary line to a branch line when flow into the branch line exceeds a predetermined flow rate. In one embodiment for use with an irrigation system, the valve includes a T-fitting. The fitting defines a primary passage, which communicates with irrigation pipes, and a branch passage, which communicates with a riser and sprinkler assembly. A valve seat is located within a housing that couples with the fitting. The valve seat is located within the T-fitting when the valve is assembled. The location of the valve seat within the fitting allows the valve to function even when the riser and/or a portion of the housing is sheared off. A stopper selectively engages a valve seat to inhibit water flow through the branch passage when the flow rate through the branch passage exceeds the predetermined flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Whetstone Group International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Brown, Christopher J. Gyben, Edward M. Norum
  • Patent number: 6260575
    Abstract: A flow control valve arrests fluid flow from a primary line to a branch line when flow into the branch line exceeds a predetermined flow rate. In one embodiment for use with an irrigation system, the valve includes a T-fitting. The fitting defines a primary passage, which communicates with irrigation pipes, and a branch passage, which communicates with a riser and sprinkler assembly. A valve seat is located within a housing that couples with the fitting. The valve seat is located within the T-fitting when the valve is assembled. The location of the valve seat within the fitting allows the valve to function even when the riser and/or a portion of the housing is sheared off. A stopper selectively engages a valve seat to inhibit water flow through the branch passage when the flow rate through the branch passage exceeds the predetermined flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Whetstone Group International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Brown, Christopher J. Gyben, Edward M. Norum
  • Patent number: 6202678
    Abstract: The present invention is a valve that shuts off only upon excess flow of liquid. A ball is seated within a ball holder. The ball holder has a circumferential side wall. An inlet orifice and one or more circumferential apertures are defined in the circumferential side wall. An outlet orifice is defined in a surface disposed above the ball holder. The ball holder may be disposed within a main body which directs all material flowing in the valve to enter the ball holder. Excess flow of liquid effects a shut-off position of the valve when the excess flow of liquid encounters resistance caused by the circumferential apertures. The resistance causes the liquid to flow through the inlet orifice at a flow high enough to push the ball upwards to a height at which the flow of liquid through the circumferential apertures carries the ball further upward to effectively seal the outlet aperture, at which point the sealed position is maintained by hydrostatic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Agricultural Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley E. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6199584
    Abstract: A flow control valve arrests fluid flow from a primary line to a branch line when flow into the branch line exceeds a predetermined flow rate. In one embodiment for use with an irrigation system, the valve includes a T-fitting. The fitting defines a primary passage, which communicates with irrigation pipes, and a branch passage, which communicates with a riser and sprinkler assembly. A valve seat is located within a housing that couples with the fitting. The valve seat is located within the T-fitting when the valve is assembled. The location of the valve seat within the fitting allows the valve to function even when the riser and/or a portion of the housing is sheared off. A stopper selectively engages a valve seat to inhibit water flow through the branch passage when the flow rate through the branch passage exceeds the predetermined flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Whetstone Group International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Brown, Christopher J. Gyben, Edward M. Norum, Jr.