Pivoted Valves Patents (Class 137/527)
  • Patent number: 7195032
    Abstract: The invention provides a flap valve for controlling the air pressure within a protected space defined by walls, the flap valve including a valve frame attachable to an opening made in the walls, a valve flap, articulated at least indirectly to the frame and being subjectable to both a sealing force which forces the valve flap against the valve frame and to an opening force which lifts a portion of the flap off the valve frame; the flap valve having 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 constituted by at least one spring at least indirectly attached to the valve flap and the valve frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Beth-el Zikhron-Ya′Aqov Industries, Ltd
    Inventor: Jonathan Schneider
  • Patent number: 7137405
    Abstract: A check valve for preventing backflow of media including a valve movably coupled to a carrier body, the valve including a flexible membrane disposed therein such that the flexible membrane flexibly engages an aperture in the carrier body to prevent backflow of media through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: SEH America, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard F. Barrows, Mike Hamilton
  • Patent number: 7128090
    Abstract: In a water-hammer preventing unit for a check valve according to the present invention, a retainer pipe having openings at two edges thereof is provided inside a short pipe to form a circular space with the short pipe, and openings are formed on this retainer pipe. Further an elastic tube is provided on an external peripheral surface of the retainer pipe and covers the openings, and a communication path is formed between the short pipe and the valve body holder, and the communication path communicates the circular space to the flow path in the upstream side of the valve body and, when a fluid flows in the reverse direction, a portion of the fluid is accommodated from the opening into the circular space by expanding the elastic tube toward the circular space, and also flows a portion of the fluid in the said circular space to the flow path in the upstream side from the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Tozen Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Muroi, Tetsuro Miura
  • Patent number: 7021386
    Abstract: A safety valve having an extension spring closure mechanism. In a described embodiment, a valve for use in a subterranean well is provided which includes a biasing device and a closure member having open and closed positions. The biasing device has a length which decreases as the closure member displaces toward the closed position. The biasing device may be an extension spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Vick, Jr., Leo G. Collins
  • Patent number: 7004194
    Abstract: A check valve has a valve body and flapper. The flapper has a gasket which is sandwiched between a flapper base and a flapper cover. The flapper base has a flapper base stem which extends through an aperture in the gasket is retained within an aperture in the flapper cover. A central recess is defined in either the forward surface of the flapper base or the forward surface of the flapper cover to allow liquid which leaks between the flapper base and the gasket to migrate to the flapper base stem, and subsequently along the flapper base stem to the external side of the flapper cover. In this way, the flapper is capable of relieving pressure build-up between the gasket and the surface of the flapper base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Spears Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Robert W. Spears, II
  • Patent number: 6986360
    Abstract: A self-sealing valve comprises a valve housing having a fluid conduit, a valve seat, a flexible diaphragm and a support member. The valve housing is configured to pass fluid through the fluid conduit. The flexible diaphragm provides a self-seal of the fluid conduit, and comprises an area larger than an area of the fluid conduit and a periphery. The support member is configured to retain a portion of a flexible diaphragm. The support member and flexible diaphragm are configured to position the flexible diaphragm against the valve seat to seal the fluid conduit in a closed position of the self-sealing valve, and to facilitate movement of at least a part of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm in a first direction away from the valve seat to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Patent number: 6974122
    Abstract: Gate for throttle valves composed of a central supporting portion constituted by a thermoplastic material and an edge portion constituted by a thermoplastic elastomeric material belonging to the same chemical family as the thermoplastic material; the gate is produced by means of a coinjection process of the thermoplastic material and the thermoplastic elastomeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fabrizio Chini, Renzo Moschini, Emanuela Pieri
  • Patent number: 6948526
    Abstract: The valve mounting system of the invention incorporates a hard cartridge with a grove on its outer, distal surface and a slot communicating distal from the end of the cartridge with the grove and a specially configured elastomeric valve attached to an outer band with a short tab. The band is positioned with the tab aligned with the slot and is stretched and is slid proximally over the cartridge until the tap enters the slot and the band snaps into the seats in the groove. The width of the slot is the same as the width of the tab providing exact alignment of the valve element with the seat provided in the cartridge. The tab can be disposed at an angle to the seat to preload the valve element against the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Helix Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Edmund V. Seder, Tina Porter
  • Patent number: 6932100
    Abstract: A flapper valve for push-in snap-lock attachment to a spud to be welded to a fuel tank and attached to a flexible filler tube hose. The flapper has an annular flexible seal overmolded thereon, preferably of elastomeric material. The flapper has a pair of trunnions, one of which has an extension or spindle with a torsion spring received thereover with one end of the torsion spring slidably anchored to a post on the flapper to form a flapper subassembly. The opposite end of the torsion spring is deflected to fit in a slot or groove in the body when the trunnions are snapped into slots formed by deflectable fingers formed integrally on the exterior of the tubular valve body for pivoting the flapper. Deflector vanes are provided on the upstream side of the flapper to protect the seal from the end of a siphon hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Martin, Christopher W. Creager
  • Patent number: 6901954
    Abstract: A safety relief valve is provided for use in association with a liquid storage tank. The safety relief valve generally includes a valve base, a valve seal plate, a hinge mechanism and a lever mechanism. The valve seal plate is pivotally coupled to the valve base by the hinge mechanism which is adapted to allow pivotal movement of the valve seal plate between a closed position and an open position. The lever mechanism is pivotally coupled to the valve base and is adapted to control the pivotal movement of the valve seal plate. In one embodiment, the hinge mechanism includes an adjustment device adapted to adjust the valve opening set point. In another embodiment, the lever mechanism includes a rod pivotally coupled to the valve base and a guide rotatably coupled to the valve seal plate, with the rod being displaceable through the guide during pivotal displacement of the valve seal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Liebert
  • Patent number: 6883317
    Abstract: An adjustable turbocharger wastegate controller suitable for after-market installation is disclosed. The invention makes use of the existing factory wastegate mechanism to form a fully adjustable turbine-inlet pressure relief. The factory wastegate valve assembly and the wastegate lever-arm connected to the wastegate shaft are utilized. The invention extends the lever-arm, and applies seating pressure to the valve with a spring assembly using a substantially lower spring-rate than the factory assembly. The spring loading is adjustable over a very wide range, and improved pressure regulation is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventor: William Dale Heath
  • Publication number: 20040231728
    Abstract: A flapper valve for push-in snap-lock attachment to a spud to be welded to a fuel tank and attached to a flexible filler tube hose. The flapper has an annular flexible seal overmolded thereon, preferably of elastomeric material. The flapper has a pair of trunnions, one of which has an extension or spindle with a torsion spring received thereover with one end of the torsion spring slidably anchored to a post on the flapper to form a flapper subassembly. The opposite end of the torsion spring is deflected to fit in a slot or groove in the body when the trunnions are snapped into slots formed by deflectable fingers formed integrally on the exterior of the tubular valve body for pivoting the flapper. Deflector vanes are provided on the upstream side of the flapper to protect the seal from the end of a siphon hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles J. Martin, Christopher W. Creager
  • Patent number: 6810920
    Abstract: The novel use of a one-way valve (13) to prevent drips of fluid such as fuel from a fluid delivery conduit after an intended flow shut-off is disclosed. At least one embodiment involves the use of a biased, one way valve that is reconfigurably responsive to a fluid flow shut-off pressure to prevent flow (e.g., drips, drops and/or a fluid stream) after an intended shut-off of fluid flow via closing of a main valve element (5). The biased, one-way valve (13) may itself comprise at least one fluid obstruction element that is rotatable about and attached at a chord of a simple closed curve (a circle or oval, as but two examples) defined by the inner surface of the conduit through which fluid in the vicinity of the valve flows. Nozzles of existing fuel conduits may be retrofitted to include the valve, or initial manufacturing may incorporate the valve within the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: James A. Rolling
  • Patent number: 6796327
    Abstract: A check valve having a faceplate and an insert assembly. The faceplate and insert assembly have a stepwise cross-section in the direction of a forward fluid flow through the check valve. The stepwise cross-section is designed for placement of the faceplate and insert into a complementary shaped valve body. The faceplate defines at least two sections through which the fluid flowing through the check valve flows. The moving parts of the check valve, doors and hinges, are mounted on the insert such that the parts are not impacted by the fluid flow, thereby reducing maintenance on the check valve. Maintenance on the check valve can be accomplished by simply removing the faceplate, thereby releasing the insert assembly from the valve body so that the insert assembly can be replaced with minimum downtime to a cooling system having this check valve installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: BNL Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Bodnar
  • Publication number: 20040182449
    Abstract: The invention provides a flap valve for controlling the air pressure within a protected space defined by walls, the flap valve including a valve frame attachable to an opening made in the walls, a valve flap, articulated at least indirectly to the frame and being subjectable to both a sealing force which forces the valve flap against the valve frame and to an opening force which lifts a portion of the flap off the valve frame; the flap valve having 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 constituted by at least one spring at least indirectly attached to the valve flap and the valve frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Jonathan Schneider
  • Patent number: 6789568
    Abstract: A fluid flow control mechanism includes a crossover fuel assembly which controls fuel flow between tanks such that an engine fuel intake pipe remains submerged. It is for a work vehicle with a fuel system which has two tanks, three flexible couplings, a tube assembly and a valve assembly. The crossover fuel assembly includes a suction tube assembly, a check valve assembly, a connecting polymeric or elastomeric coupling and multiple clamping mechanisms. The engine fuel intake pipe fluidly connects the crossover fuel assembly to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Case, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Bunnell, Daniel Karlak
  • Patent number: 6789575
    Abstract: A high efficient valve assembly of a compressor has a valve plate having more than one discharging valve; a discharging valve for opening and closing the discharging valve, one end of the discharging valve is settled at the valve plate between the valve plate and a cylinder head; a stopper for controlling the discharging valve to be placed at a right position, both ends of the stopper are settled at the valve plate at an upper part of the discharging valve; a rivet for settling the discharging valve and the stopper at the valve plate; and settlement units for positioning the discharging valve at the valve plate at the right position and supporting the discharging valve. According to the present invention, the high efficient valve assembly has the discharging settlement units capable of settling the discharging valve of which only one end is supported and supporting the discharging valve, thus the assemble of the valve assembly can be easily done.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Gwangju Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gyu-chang Park
  • Patent number: 6782916
    Abstract: A fuel system for a work vehicle such as a tractor includes a pair of fuel tanks located on either side of the vehicle that are connected by a cross feed fuel line. The fuel line permits fuel to flow from both tanks to a common fuel suction line, which, in turn, feeds the vehicle's engine with fuel. The fuel line includes a check valve that prevents the free flow of fluid through the cross feed line when the vehicle is driven across a slope. The check valve is disposed to prevent liquid fuel from flowing away from a fuel suction line and starving the suction line for fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Darrel J. Svendsen, Kenneth Daniels
  • Publication number: 20040149337
    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: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Samuel Koeger, Albrecht Fuchs
  • Patent number: 6755208
    Abstract: A self-sealing valve for controlling the volume of fluid within an inflatable device. The valve includes a housing having a fluid conduit, a valve seat and a valve assembly that selectively seals the fluid conduit to provide a self-seal. The valve assembly includes a support member and a mounting device that holds a portion of a flexible diaphragm in a closed position, and that facilitates movement of at least part of the periphery of the diaphragm away from the valve seat to an open position and towards the valve seat to the closed position. The support member may be manually moved to any of the multiple open positions, either to enable fluid release or to enhance fluid injection. With the injection of fluid, the diaphragm assumes an open position, allowing fluid influx.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Robert B. Chaffee
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Patent number: 6736160
    Abstract: A support member 10 having a tubular portion 11 is joined at an end portion of a muffler pipe 1. The support member 10 forms a flange 12 as a valve seat and a support bracket 14. The support bracket 14 has a valve disk 20 supported rotatably via a hinge axis 15. The valve disk 20 has an outer peripheral portion 12 as a contact surface with the valve seat, and a weight 30 is welded to a bead portion 23 with an inner portion thereof projecting to the back face. A spring is wound around the hinge axis, with one end 18 engaging a back face of the valve wall 21 for the valve disk, the other end engaging a support bracket. The resonance frequency is decreased by the weight, thereby preventing the beat sound from arising in a normal range of the engine speed. The weight is welded to the bead portion, thereby not causing the outer peripheral portion 23 as the contact surface to be distorted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Calsonic Kansei Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi Nagai, Eiichiro Hashimoto, Masaomi Fukuhara, Kai Shiraishi, Tamio Oshima
  • Publication number: 20040060704
    Abstract: A closure mechanism for a flapper features a pinion on the ear extending from the flapper that is used to mount it for pivotal movement. A spring-loaded rack meshes with the pinion or pinions on the flapper so that when the flow tube swings the flapper open, rotation of the pinion teeth advances the teeth on the rack against the force of a spring. When the flow tube is retracted, the spring pushes the teeth on the rack in the opposite direction causing a rotational movement of the flapper toward closure in contact with a conforming seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Ben C. Layton, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Publication number: 20040055647
    Abstract: A valve-leaf protective structure for pressure regulator of air tank used in diving mainly includes a valve-leaf seat being provided at a lower center with a retaining hole and at two sides with two raised supports, each of which is provided at an upper inner surface with a rotary shaft hole; and a valve-leaf protective cover located between the two raised supports of the valve-leaf seat, and provided at two upper outer ends with two sideward projected rotary shafts for rotatably mounted in the two rotary holes on the raised supports. A lower side of the protective cover is formed into a tongue having a hook provided at a lowermost end thereof to detachably engage with the retaining hole at the lower center of the valve-leaf seat. Therefore, the protective cover may be pivotally turned about the rotary shafts between the raised supports to close or open the valve-leaf seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Hsing-Chi Hsieh
  • Patent number: 6705593
    Abstract: An apparatus capable of moving a shiftable valve member into a closed position, the shiftable valve member mounted in a valve housing having a bore and being moveable between at least one open and at least one closed position relative to the bore, includes at least one elastically deformable member that extends at least partially around the circumference of the bore and is disposed at least partially in a cavity in the valve housing. Each elastically deformable member is elongated, has first and second ends and is connected to the shiftable valve member at one location and to the valve housing at at least one other location. Each elastically deformable member is torsionally loaded to provide biasing, closing force to the shiftable valve member to assist in moving the shiftable valve member into a closed position and retaining it in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Tomas Michael Deaton
  • Patent number: 6679290
    Abstract: A check valve has a valve body with an annular seat surrounding the duct and a flap member pivotally mounted on the valve body so as to pivot about an axis transverse to the duct from an open position to a closed position pressing against the seat. The flap member includes a circular flap plate with a rigid backer plate and a front resilient layer carried on a pivot mounting bracket having a rigid mounting plate generally parallel to the backer plate. The backer plate and the mounting plate each have a central hole therethrough and are connected by an integral body molded from a resilient elastomeric material to form the front resilient layer, a back stopper portion and a connecting neck portion arranged so as to provide resilient flexing movement between the flap plate and the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is carried on a shaft with a pair of coil springs housed in a receptacle separated from the duct so that broken spring parts do not enter the fluid in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Dixon Bayco Limited
    Inventors: John Matthews, Stephen C. Florence, James Easden
  • Patent number: 6679289
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light weight check valve for use in bulk material transfers that incorporates a smooth, generally spherical interior cavity to minimize flow inefficiencies. The check valve is made from two portions: a body portion and a lid assembly which is removably mounted to the body portion. The gate valve, or poppet, is hingedly mounted to the lid assembly. Hence, when the check valve assembly is opened for inspection, by removing the lid assembly, the poppet is removed along with the lid assembly, to allow for easy inspection of the poppet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Sure Seal, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Sisk
  • Patent number: 6659126
    Abstract: A backflow preventor which permits adjustment of the outflow direction is provided. A conduit provides fluid communication between the two valves of the backflow preventor. The conduit can be separated, e.g., by cutting along a groove, leaving annular flat regions. The annular flats are configured to engage with a coupler to provide leak-free connection between the separated portions of the conduit. The separated portions of the conduit can be rotated to adjust the outflow direction. Preferably, an infinite number of outflow directions are possible, all of which lie in a plane parallel to the inflow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Charles W. Dunmire, Dennis G. Whitelaw, Richard D. Fields
  • Patent number: 6648010
    Abstract: An ant-pressure surge device mounted in or on a closure member (1) of a check valve to eliminate overpressure and reduce shock waves in a pipeline when the check valve closes. The anti-pressure surge device comprises a fast acting flow relieving valve having a flow path sufficient in the open position to relieve the reverse flow on closure of the check valve closure member and is designed to open when the back pressure shock wave on the downstream side of the valve approaches a predetermined value. A suitable anti-pressure surge device comprises a poppet comprising a piston portion (7) and a sealing element (7A) moveable by the back pressure shock wave against resilient disk springs (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Goodwin International Limited
    Inventor: Richard Stanley Goodwin
  • Patent number: 6648013
    Abstract: A check valve is provided to maintain fluid flow in a single desired direction through a conduit. The check valve requires a greater fluid pressure to open the check valve to allow fluid to pass in a desired direction than an amount of pressure required to keep the check valve in its open position. This variable opening force performance is provided by providing a closure arm exerting a closure force on a flapper urging the flapper toward its closed position. Contact between the closure arm and the flapper occurs between a follower on the closure arm and a cam surface on the flapper. A contour of the cam surface on the flapper, and especially a hump on the cam surface causes the closure arm to exert a variable amount of force on the flapper depending on the position of the flapper. When the flapper is closed a relatively large amount of force is exerted on the flapper. When the flapper is open a relatively smaller amount of force is exerted on the flapper by the closure arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Watts Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest B. Ray
  • Publication number: 20030168104
    Abstract: A safety relief valve is provided for use in association with a liquid storage tank. The safety relief valve generally includes a valve base, a valve seal plate, a hinge mechanism and a lever mechanism. The valve seal plate is pivotally coupled to the valve base by the hinge mechanism which is adapted to allow pivotal movement of the valve seal plate between a closed position and an open position. The lever mechanism is pivotally coupled to the valve base and is adapted to control the pivotal movement of-the valve seal plate. In one embodiment, the hinge mechanism includes an adjustment device adapted to adjust the valve opening set point. In another embodiment, the lever mechanism includes a rod pivotally coupled to the valve base and a guide rotatably coupled to the valve seal plate, with the rod being displaceable through the guide during pivotal displacement of the valve seal plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Liebert
  • Patent number: 6585000
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve for releasing pressure from a system, which pressure relief valve typically includes a valve housing provided on a pressure relief conduit which receives pressure from the system. A valve opening establishes communication between the valve housing and the pressure relief conduit, and a substantially arcuate valve body is pivotally mounted in the valve housing for sealingly and slidably engaging the valve opening. Accordingly, the valve body is capable of pivoting between a first position to close the pressure relief conduit and a second position to open the pressure relief conduit as the valve body slidably traverses the valve opening. A bias mechanism biases the valve body in the closed position in such a manner that the valve body pivots from the closed position to the open position against the bias mechanism and opens the pressure relief conduit, responsive to a threshold pressure of the pressurized fluid impinging against the valve body in the pressure relief conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Lydell Radford
  • Patent number: 6543228
    Abstract: A turbocharger assembly has a housing (1) in which is formed a turbine volute inlet duct (4) having a butterfly valve (8) disposed therein and a bypass duct (6) which contains a swing valve (15), the valves being operable to control the flow of exhaust gas through each duct. A link member (30) is mounted for rotation about the pivot axis (21) of the swing valve (15) and has an opening in which an actuating pin (20) engages with a tolerance fit so as to non-rotatably connect the swing valve (15) to the link plate (30). The link plate also has an elongated channel (34) along which an actuating pin (13) of the butterfly valve travels upon rotation of the link plate (30) about the pivot axis (21). The elongated channel has a first portion (34a) which extends along an arc centred on the axis of rotation (21) and a second portion (34b) which extends along an arc whose centre is offset from said axis (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: BorgWarner
    Inventor: Edwin Richard Deacon
  • Publication number: 20030041904
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve for releasing pressure from a system, which pressure relief valve typically includes a valve housing provided on a pressure relief conduit which receives pressure from the system. A valve opening establishes communication between the valve housing and the pressure relief conduit, and a substantially arcuate valve body is pivotally mounted in the valve housing for sealingly and slidably engaging the valve opening. Accordingly, the valve body is capable of pivoting between a first position to close the pressure relief conduit and a second position to open the pressure relief conduit as the valve body slidably traverses the valve opening. A bias mechanism biases the valve body in the closed position in such a manner that the valve body pivots from the closed position to the open position against the bias mechanism and opens the pressure relief conduit, responsive to a threshold pressure of the pressurized fluid impinging against the valve body in the pressure relief conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Lydell Radford
  • Patent number: 6508264
    Abstract: A self-sealing valve is used to fill, empty, and control the volume of fluid within an inflatable device. The valve includes a housing having a fluid inlet, a valve seat and a valve assembly that selectively covers the fluid inlet to provide a self-seal. The valve assembly includes a support member that suspends a flexible diaphragm in a closed position within the valve housing while allowing movement of at least part of the periphery of the diaphragm away from the valve seat to an open position and back towards the valve seat to a closed position. The support member may be manually moved to any of the multiple open positions, either to enable fluid release or to enhance fluid injection. With the injection of fluid, the diaphragm assumes an open position, allowing fluid influx. A fluid pressure created within the device assists in maintaining the diaphragm in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Patent number: 6502598
    Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly has a unitary housing with a passage therethrough, two threaded regions formed in an inner surface of the unitary housing, and two valve assemblies positioned in the passage to prevent fluid flow in a direction. Each valve assembly has an annular mount having a threaded outer surface that engages one of the threaded regions on the inner surface of the housing. The threads can be formed by placing a die having a thread on an outer surface thereof in contact with an inner surface of the unitary housing, and pressing on the outer surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Watts Investment Company
    Inventor: Lester Engelmann
  • Publication number: 20020157710
    Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly has a unitary housing with a passage therethrough, two threaded regions formed in an inner surface of the unitary housing, and two valve assemblies positioned in the passage to prevent fluid flow in a direction. Each valve assembly has an annular mount having a threaded outer surface that engages one of the threaded regions on the inner surface of the housing. The threads can be formed by placing a die having a thread on an outer surface thereof in contact with an inner surface of the unitary housing, and pressing on the outer surface of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Lester Engelmann
  • Patent number: 6439256
    Abstract: A switchable flap valve having at least one valve plate (2, 2a, 2b) disposed for pivoting about a longitudinal axis in a housing part (1) for opening or closing a valve opening (11) provided in the housing part (1) in which a strip element (4, 4a, 4b) is formed on the upper side of the valve plate (2, 2a, 2b) aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve plate. The surface of the strip element (4, 4a) is inclined toward an adjacent housing wall (20) or toward a second strip (4b) and forms a hollow channel with the housing wall (20) or with the strip (4b). The free longitudinal edge (18) of the strip (4, 4a, 4b) is held in a latch mechanism (7, 8) to maintain the valve plate (2, 2a, 2b) in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignees: Leica Camera AG, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lothar Koelsch, Hans-Gerhard Kogler, Gerhard Kranz, Christoph Metz, Frank Schroeter, Hans-Joachim Faulstroh
  • Patent number: 6432135
    Abstract: A rigid leaflet blood check valve uses a torsion wire suspension to suspend the leaflet. The leaflet is non-contacting with the housing. Complete washout of all valve parts in blood contact exists. This eliminates areas of blood stasis which exist in valves employing conventional pivot bearings. Relative motion, wear, and washout problems have been eliminated in the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Philip Goldowsky
  • Publication number: 20020104567
    Abstract: A check valve has a valve body with an annular seat surrounding the duct and a flap member pivotally mounted on the valve body so as to pivot about an axis transverse to the duct from an open position to a closed position pressing against the seat. The flap member includes a circular flap plate with a rigid backer plate and a front resilient layer carried on a pivot mounting bracket having a rigid mounting plate generally parallel to the backer plate. The backer plate and the mounting plate each have a central hole therethrough and are connected by an integral body molded from a resilient elastomeric material to form the front resilient layer, a back stopper portion and a connecting neck portion arranged so as to provide resilient flexing movement between the flap plate and the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is carried on a shaft with a pair of coil springs housed in a receptacle separated from the duct so that broken spring parts do not enter the fluid in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: John Matthews, Stephen C. Florence, James Easden
  • Patent number: 6425412
    Abstract: A linkage assembly including a crank arm, first and second elongated links, and first and second springs. Ends of the links are adjacent one another and overlap. The first spring is held within this overlapping portion. The second spring is held about an unoverlapped portion of the second link. In a neutral position, the first and second links are balanced in force. In an open position, the first and second links are moved away from one another, causing the second link to be less compressed than the first link. In a back pressure position, the first and second links are moved toward one another, causing the first link to be less compressed than the second link. The first and second springs are held such that they are balanced in the neutral position and provide a restorative force in the open and back pressure positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: Robert E. Sterling
  • Patent number: 6425413
    Abstract: A valve (120) for controlling fluid flow therethrough in downhole applications is disclosed. The valve (120) comprises a valve housing having a valve closure mechanism (122) and a valve seat (124) disposed therein. The valve closure mechanism (122) has sealing surface (128) and a secondary load bearing surface (142). The valve seat (124) has a valve seat sealing surface (126) that mates with the sealing surface (128) of the valve closure mechanism (122). The secondary load bearing surface (142) of the valve closure mechanism (122) mates with a valve secondary load bearing surface (134) which may be supported by the valve seat (124).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Ray Davis, Stuart Morton Dennistoun
  • Publication number: 20020083975
    Abstract: A self-sealing valve is used to fill, empty, and control the volume of fluid within an inflatable device. The valve includes a housing having a fluid inlet, a valve seat and a valve assembly that selectively covers the fluid inlet to provide a self-seal. The valve assembly includes a support member that suspends a flexible diaphragm in a closed position within the valve housing while allowing movement of at least part of the periphery of the diaphragm away from the valve seat to an open position and back towards the valve seat to a closed position. The support member may be manually moved to any of the multiple open positions, either to enable fluid release or to enhance fluid injection. With the injection of fluid, the diaphragm assumes an open position, allowing fluid influx. A fluid pressure created within the device assists in maintaining the diaphragm in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Publication number: 20020078999
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light weight check valve for use in bulk material transfers that incorporates a smooth, generally spherical interior cavity to minimize flow inefficiencies. The check valve is made from two portions: a body portion and a lid assembly which is removably mounted to the body portion. The gate valve, or poppet, is hingedly mounted to the lid assembly. Hence, when the check valve assembly is opened for inspection, by removing the lid assembly, the poppet is removed along with the lid assembly, to allow for easy inspection of the poppet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: David E. Sisk
  • Patent number: 6401745
    Abstract: A fire hydrant automatic shut-off valve including a cylindrical sleeve having an open lower end and an open upper end. The open lower end receives a water supply stand pipe therein. The open upper end receives an open lower end of the fire hydrant thereon whereby the open lower end of the fire hydrant is in communication with the water supply stand pipe. A pair of flaps is hingedly coupled with the open upper end of the cylindrical sleeve. The pair of flaps close to a corresponding horizontal position to effectively seal the cylindrical sleeve to prevent water from flowing from the water supply stand pipe to the fire hydrant. A trigger sleeve is slidably disposed within the open upper end of the cylindrical sleeve. The trigger sleeve extends downwardly to push the pair of flaps outwardly to allow water to flow freely from the water supply stand pipe to the fire hydrant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Harold Eugene Corder
  • Patent number: 6343618
    Abstract: A swing check valve for controlling fluid flow, including a valve housing having a port for fluid flow therethrough with a removable cover for accessing an interior of the valve housing. A valve assembly is positioned within the interior of the valve housing for controlling the fluid flow through the valve housing. The valve assembly includes a valve seat in fluid communication with the port and a clapper mounted in the valve housing on a pivotally-mounted rocker arm and moveable between an open position responsive to fluid flow in a flow direction and a closed position sealed against the valve seat responsive to fluid flow in an opposite, backflow direction. A spring is captured in the valve housing by the removable cover without attachment to either the cover or valve housing, and normally urges the clapper into the closed position sealed against the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Conbraco Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg L. Britt, Danny S. Meyer, Timothy D. Price, Robert V. Funderburk
  • Patent number: 6328062
    Abstract: A torsion spring return system for a valve closure member, preferably for downhole use in an SSV, is described. The closure member or flapper uses torsion springs which can be wrapped circumferentially within the body of the downhole tool, generally following the periphery of the flapper. Downward rotation of the flapper stresses the torsion springs so that subsequently, when a flow tube or other device holding the flapper in one position is released, the torsion springs return the flapper to its seat. The connection between the torsion springs and the pin supporting the flapper is either a universal joint or involves an alignment rod running through the torsion spring, as well as other mechanisms which facilitate stress relief in the connection between the torsion spring and pivot pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Ronald Williams, Michael S. Rawson
  • Patent number: 6314993
    Abstract: A check valve has a valve body with an annular seat surrounding the duct and a flap member pivotally mounted on the valve body so as to pivot about an axis transverse to the duct from an open position to a closed position pressing against the seat. The flap member includes a circular flap plate with a rigid backer plate and a front resilient layer carried on a pivot mounting bracket having a rigid mounting plate generally parallel to the backer plate. The backer plate and the mounting plate each have a central hole therethrough and are connected by an integral body molded from a resilient elastomeric material to form the front resilient layer, a back stopper portion and a connecting neck portion arranged so as to provide resilient flexing movement between the flap plate and the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is carried on a shaft with a pair of coil springs housed outside the body so that broken spring parts do not enter the fluid in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Bayco Industries Limited
    Inventors: John Matthews, Stephen C. Florence
  • Publication number: 20010022194
    Abstract: A valve (120) for controlling fluid flow therethrough in downhole applications is disclosed. The valve (120) comprises a valve housing having a valve closure mechanism (122) and a valve seat (124) disposed therein. The valve closure mechanism (122) has sealing surface (128) and a secondary load bearing surface (142). The valve seat (124) has a valve seat sealing surface (126) that mates with the sealing surface (128) of the valve closure mechanism (122). The secondary load bearing surface (142) of the valve closure mechanism (122) mates with a valve secondary load bearing surface (134) which may be supported by the valve seat (124).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: Halliburton Enrgy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Ray Davis, Stuart Morton Dennistoun
  • Patent number: 6289926
    Abstract: A flapper valve assembly (120) for controlling fluid flow therethrough is disclosed. The flapper valve assembly (120) comprises a tubular valve housing having a valve chamber. A valve seat (124) is mounted within the housing. The valve seat (124) has a valve seat sealing surface (126). The valve seat (124) also has an internal load bearing shoulder (134). A flapper closure plate (122) is rotatably disposed within the valve chamber. The flapper closure plate (122) is rotatable between a valve open position in which the flapper closure plate (122) is removed from the valve seat (124) and a valve closed position in which the sealing surface (128) of the flapper closure plate (122) sealingly engages the valve seat sealing surface (126) for preventing flow through the flapper valve assembly (120). The maximum travel of the flapper closure plate (122) in the closed position is defined by the internal load bearing shoulder (134) of the valve seat (124).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Stuart M. Dennistoun
  • Patent number: 6279545
    Abstract: A fuel supply system for fuel supply of an internal combustion engine has a fuel supply container, a fuel supply unit having a pressure limiting valve providing an adjustable maximum pressure, a fuel supply conduit having a pressure regulating valve adjustable to an operational pressure for maintaining a regulated operational pressure in the fuel supply conduit, a fuel return conduit adapted to connect the internal combustion engine with the fuel supply container, and a delay valve associated with the pressure regulating valve for loading the fuel supply conduit with an initial pressure which is higher than an operational pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Kurt Frank, Willi Strohl