With Indicator, Register, Recorder, Alarm Or Inspection Means Patents (Class 137/551)
  • Patent number: 5127427
    Abstract: A novel drinking water faucet of the type used with household water purification system is provided. The faucet includes a spout, a valve, means for opening and closing said valve, a waste water inlet, an air gap, and a waste water outlet. The faucet includes means for accommodating the visual display of a water quality meter. The faucet can be mounted in either a right-handed or left-handed configuration from above the mounting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Culligan International Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Kajpust, Ronald M. Matyja
  • Patent number: 5085576
    Abstract: A leak detector for a valve controlling flow of fuel to a combustion chamber employs a fuel concentration sensor in a sensing chamber placed downstream from the valve seat. The valve has a downstream chamber which is in communication by diffusion through an orifice, with a source of pressurized air. By injecting air into the downstream chamber through this orifice after the valve has closed and then measuring with the sensor the fuel concentration within the sensing chamber, excessive fuel leakage by the valve can be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Ulrich Bonne, George J. Tate, Edward Schwarz
  • Patent number: 5056046
    Abstract: The system (12',14) includes a target member (78) associated with the stem valve (24) and displaceable therewith, and a camera (68) adapted to be positioned adjacent the stem for generating a video signal of at least a portion of the target member. A marker (80) associated with the valve in the field of view of the camera is provided for defining a reference displacement scale (82) in the video signal. A converter (62) is responsive to the video signal for generating target data commensurate with the absolute displacement of the target. First data interface equipment (42,58,60) is provided for digitizing the sensed pneumatic pressure as the pressure is changed to displace the stem, preferably a full stroke from the open-to-close-to-open positions or vice versa. Second data interface equipment (44,62) is provided for digitizing the target data commensurate with the displacement of the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Mutchler, Timothy P. Jaeger, Richard J. Matt, Theodore B. Farver
  • Patent number: 5016665
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying liquid coating materials, adhesives or other liquids is provided in which the liquid material is pumped from a source through a pneumatically operated, diaphragm-type pressure regulator which discharges the liquid at a controlled pressure to a dispenser such as a spray gun. Pressurized air from a pneumatic panel or other air supply device is transmitted to one side of the diaphragm in the pressure regulator through a one-way valve such as a check valve which protects the pneumatic panel from an upstream flow of liquid from the pressure regulator in the event of a failure of its diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald D. Konieczynski
  • Patent number: 5009848
    Abstract: A water treatment dispensing apparatus for an engine cooling system, such as in a diesel locomotive, includes one or more probes for measuring the conductivity of the fluid circulating in the system. From the conductivity of the fluid, a determination of the level of concentration of treatment chemicals in the fluid can be ascertained. A comparator is utilized for determining whether, based on the conductivity readings of the fluid, the level of concentration of treatment chemicals in the fluid is at or above a desired level. When it is determined that the level of concentration has fallen below the desired level, a valve is actuated so as to divert a portion of fluid from the system to a chemical treatment dispensing apparatus. Simultaneously, an outlet valve is actuated to allow mixed fluid and chemical treatment to be routed back into the circulating system. The dispensing apparatus includes a housing adapted to receive a container for containing a quantity of chemical treatment therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Inventors: James M. Secretarski, Terry M. Crowell
  • Patent number: 4968152
    Abstract: An electric immersion thermometer, for use in a device such as a mixing faucet, is disclosed. The immersion thermometer includes a body which houses a temperature sensing assembly in which the sensing element is encapsulated or laminated in a plastic sheath or jacket. The encapsulating sheath being formed from a plastic thermally shrinking tubing and a plastic bracket for mechanically supporting the thermometer. A plastic insert also can be mounted in the body of the immersion thermometer that is coupled to the faucet. The plastic jacket has good heat conducting and electrical insulating properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Konrad Bergmann
  • Patent number: 4947153
    Abstract: The upwardly extending outlet of a pump contains a non-floating permanent magnet which tends to assume a lower end position but is propelled upwardly in response to admission of a metered quantity of liquid into the outlet to initiate the emission of a signal by a sensor. The emission of such signal persists as long as the actuator remains above its lower end position. The sensor is connected with the resetting input of a counter by way of an OR circuit. The n-th output of the counter transmits a signal to an alarm signal generating circuit in response to transmission of a certain number of consective timing pulses to its counting input prior to transmission of a signal to the resetting input. The timing pulses are transmitted by a generator which also transmits pulses to the pump to thus determine the frequency of admission of liquid into the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: ProMinent Dosiertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Hermann Berger
  • Patent number: 4936508
    Abstract: A shower head volume meter producing an audible or other alarm for indicating when a predetermined volume of water has been delivered. A polite alarm or "beep" is used after a first volume of water y has been delivered, while an aggressive alarm in the form of a continuous sound is used after a second volume of water y+z has been delivered. A first embodiment measures the volume of water with a magnetic turbine and pick-up coil. The turbine rotates in response to water flow through meter generating a rotating magnetic flux. The flux lines cut across the pick-up coil which produces electrical pulse signals at a rate corresponding to the water flow rate. The number of magnetic poles in the turbine determines the total volume of water that can be delivered. A microcontroller analyzes the pulse signals and initiates the alarm. The pick-up coil doubles as an alternator to produce electrical power for the microcontroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Inventor: Thomas J. Ingalz
  • Patent number: 4893750
    Abstract: A fuel injection nozzle for supplying fuel to a compression ignition engine includes a holder which accommodates a spring which biases the valve member of the nozzle to the closed position. A spring abutment abuts against a surface of the holder and a blind bore is formed in the holder in the vicinity of the surface. A transducer is located in the bore and produces an electrical signal when an increase in the stress in the spring occurs as the valve member is moved to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1990
    Assignee: Lucas Industries Public Limited Company
    Inventors: Roy Haworth, Michael F. Russell, Adrian R. Tolliday
  • Patent number: 4889184
    Abstract: A wellhead assembly for a beam pumped production well comprises a stuffing box for providing a seal around a polished rod of the beam pump assembly and a flapper type safety valve for sealing off the wellhead in case of polished rod failure. The safety valve comprises a wear plate which is pressed against the polished rod and means are provided for monitoring the amount of wear of the wear plate on the basis of the angular orientation of the safety valve relative to the stuffing box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: Shell Internationale Research
    Inventors: Lubbertus Lugtmeier, Albert Klamer
  • Patent number: 4889151
    Abstract: A snap-action permanently indicating pressure relief valve is disclosed. The valve includes a valve member defining a flow path having an area less than the area of an inlet wherein the inlet pressure initially acts over a portion of a pressure surface of the valve member equal to the inlet area and subsequently acts over the entire area of the pressure surface to suddenly increase the velocity of the valve member. The valve member smacks and permanently deforms a deformable over pressure indicating element to give permanent indication of an over pressure condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Inventor: Peter D. Oten
  • Patent number: 4879547
    Abstract: The system includes a plurality of zone valves located in a gas flow pipeline. These valves contain a fiber optic bundle that is installed in the center of the valve handle. The fiber optic light comes from a source and is read by a light detector. As long as light is detected by the light detector, the circuitry within the detector will function as a closed circuit. As soon as the detector is not sensed, the detector will function as an open circuit and will provide an alarm to a floor control panel and on to a system annunciator. The system processor is capable of performing remote shunting. The operator can determine by visual reference the location of the problem. False alarms caused by intermittent faulty loops can be identified by a built in memory circuit. The circuit is also capable of detecting loss of current flow that could be caused by a number of reasons. The loss will cause an alarm condition to occur and the operator shall be notified of the system's condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Valve Alert Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: August J. Pryslak
  • Patent number: 4858645
    Abstract: A lubricating delivery system includes a positive displacement lubricant pump and fluid flow measuring means for monitoring the output of the pump. The pump is a miniature injection pump and the measuring means includes switch means responsive to movement of the check valve provided at the output of such a pump. Because such a system provides flow measurement by a single digital input to a programmable controller, numerous pumps may be utilized to individually supply lubricant to separate portions of a machine and all may be monitored for output flow without tying up an inordinate portion of the PC input circuitry, which is typically required to additionally control the machine being lubricated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: G. P. Reeves In.
    Inventor: Gordon P. Reeves
  • Patent number: 4838095
    Abstract: An improved sight glass for use with sampling systems employed for testing the content of chemical reaction vessels. In addition to incorporating a check valve for preventing contamination of a vacuum source, the device incorporates provision for entrapping and draining sampled fluids in the event of leakage or fracture of the glass components thereof. This is accomplished by providing an inner transparent glass tube, the inner surface of which is chemically inert, and an outer concentric tube of synthetic resinous material which surrounds the inner tube and is less subject to breakage. The cylindrical interstice between the inner and outer tubes forms a drain for retaining leakage caused by fracture of the inner tube. A floating valve cooperates with a valve seat positioned longitudinally medially of the inner and outer tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Ethylene Corp.
    Inventors: Michael Sheridan, Kenneth Jaffe
  • Patent number: 4839039
    Abstract: An add-on device (10) for converting a conventional manual faucet to an automatic faucet includes a body (12) that includes an adapter (14) by which the add-on device is mounted onto the outlet of the manual faucet. A conduit (32) provides a fluid path from the faucet outlet to a device outlet (18), and an electrically operable valve (30) is interposed in the conduit (32). A control circuit (26) operates an ultrasonic transducer (20) to sense objects in a target region near the device outlet 18, and it operates the valve (30) to permit water to flow out the device outlet (18) when the transducer detects a moving object in the target region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Recurrent Solutions Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, Joel S. Novak
  • Patent number: 4821768
    Abstract: A fluid flow profile regulating apparatus coaxial to a conduit carrying a fluid regulates fluid flow profile by smoothing out irregularities in fluid flow velocity transverse to the direction of flow. In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises a cylindrical chamber having a radius greater than that of the conduit and an internal set of ribs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber. Each rib has a radial length less than the radius of the chamber to establish a cylindrical passage in the chamber having a radius less than that of the conduit open for uninterrupted fluid flow along the axis of the chamber. In another embodiment, although the radius of the chamber is not necessarily greater than that of the conduit, longitudinally displaced sets of internal ribs are angularly displaced with respect to each other. The longitudinally spaced, angularly offset ribs tend to cancel turbulence in the fluid developed between the ribs of the first set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Schlumberger Industries, S.A.
    Inventor: Roland Lett
  • Patent number: 4807850
    Abstract: A multi-viscosity fuel metering valve comprises a metering stem and a metering stem guide. The metering stem is rotatable relative to the metering stem guide. A port is located in the metering stem guide and a plurality of orifices, each having different dimensions, are positioned in the metering stem. The port in the metering stem guide may be moved relative to each of the orifices and each of the orifices may be individually positioned adjacent the port. The selection of an orifice for a fuel having a particular viscosity allows the use of different fuels with a heating apparatus such as a burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: International Thermal Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Edgar C. Robinson
  • Patent number: 4742841
    Abstract: A coolant system and control valve used in a circuit for cooling spot welding tips. The control valve normally passes coolant to and from the tips. Should a break in the coolant flow occur because of a breakdown of one or more of the tips, the control valve will shift to close the normal coolant loop and divert coolant from a pressure source to a tank until a repair is made. A switch indicator can be utilized for visual observation of a break and also a flow indicator is provided on the valve body to indicate normal coolant flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Numatics, Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas B. Vonderhaar, Donald E. McGeachy
  • Patent number: 4727899
    Abstract: A pilot valve for connecting a source of fluid under pressure to an actuator where the pilot valve may be connected to the actuator in any of 360.degree. of rotation so that the fluid connections may be made from any desired direction. Further disclosed is a coupling adapter joining the pilot valve to the actuator with passages so arranged in the adapter that 180.degree. rotation of the coupling adapter reverses the fluid flow connections between the pilot valve and the actuator simultaneously exposing indicia indicating the condition. Still further disclosed is a spring return manual override that is slotted to enable operation by a coin and has a mating slot in the pilot valve body allowing locking in the override position by insertion of a coin or similar device. A ball valve actuator is described as an actuator device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: Parker & Harper Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger G. Massey, David G. Holloway
  • Patent number: 4699172
    Abstract: A valve assembly comprising a temperature responsive servomechanism adapted to combine hot and cold water under pressure to produce a constant preselected temperature of water at an outlet.The valve assembly comprises a housing having a valving cavity, a hot water inlet leading to the valving cavity, a cold water inlet leading to the valving cavity, and a mixed water outlet passageway leading from the valving cavity. A valve member translates in the valving cavity and divides the cavity into two auxiliary chambers. A passageway through the valve member allows fluid to flow from each of the inlets to the outlet passageway at a rate that varies as the valve member translates. Passageways in the valve member permit a portion of the mixed water to flow into the auxiliary chambers. An auxiliary passageway is provided between each of the auxiliary chambers and the outlet passageway. A temperature responsive element is provided within the outlet passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1987
    Assignee: Masco Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 4682626
    Abstract: The disclosure and drawings describe and illustrate a water mixer fitting having a temperature measuring means operatively coupled between the mixed water outlet opening and a display terminal disposed in or adjacent to the handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Konrad Bergmann
  • Patent number: 4678621
    Abstract: A fluid-filled network of connected conduits and valves receives an acoustic signal in the form of waves of predetermined frequency, amplitude, and time sequence. At a second location, an acoustic receiver senses the form of the waves in frequency, amplitude, and time sequence arriving from the transmitter. The comparison between the acoustic signal introduced into the network and the signal received from the network represents whether the valve settings are satisfactory for using the network as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent M. Callaghan, Melvin J. Wolpert, III
  • Patent number: 4638833
    Abstract: A flow line control valve is provided with internal erosion and corrosion trim liners and means for detecting for leaks in the liners. There is also provided fuller range, positive shutoff throttle means designed to reduce erosion and corrosion of the throttling parts and valve seat. The low flow rate throttling action is provided by progressive and accumulative flow through one or more stages of throttling flow passages of and by a nose end of the throttling means. Preferably the nose end is concavely tapered. Also preferably two or more stages of throttling spaced apart flow passages of increasing size are employed. Postive long lasting shut-off is assured by combining throttling and seat surfaces of different angles of taper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventor: Herbert A. Wolcott, II
  • Patent number: 4635668
    Abstract: An automatic freeze control (10) includes a temperature sensor (18) and a valve (20) connected to the water line (22). Control circuitry (36, 38, 40, 42, 44 and 46) is responsive to the line water temperature continuously monitored by the sensor (18) to selectively open the valve (20) for increased periodic flow with decreasing temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventor: Aaron J. Netter
  • Patent number: 4635678
    Abstract: A flow control apparatus having a valve body forming a longitudinal axis with an inlet and an outlet connected by flow passage that are all substantially disposed on the longitudinal axis to provide a straight flow path is disclosed. A moveable flow control sleeve is concentrically disposed about a cylindrical seat member fixed in the valve body. Radially opposed ports are disposed in the seat member. A quick acting 90 degree rotatable stem is operably connected to the flow control sleeve to reciprocate the sleeve axially along the cylindrical seat to and from the open and closed position to regulate the fluid flowing through the opposed ports and valve apparatus. A flowmeter sensor is mounted with the valve body for providing a signal in response to the rate of flow through the flow passage. The signal is usable by a flow rate determining system which may be connected to a valve actuator for automatically operating the valve in response to certain prearranged flow conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Assignee: Hydril Company
    Inventors: Charles P. Peterman, Julian D. Keithahn
  • Patent number: 4612956
    Abstract: The safety hole is placed between equipments for forming a gaseous product preventive siphon. The safety hole comprises a vat, a cover closing the vat and being centrally provided with a vertical partition wall having a bottom portion placed at a determined height from bottom of the vat. The vat is filled with a neutral liquid at a level substantially higher than the bottom portion of the vertical partition wall thus forming an aqueous compartment and a downstream compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Assignee: Equipement Industriel Normand
    Inventor: Claude Coquerel
  • Patent number: 4611294
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the rate of addition of an additive fluid that is to be added to a main fluid stream in a gas pipeline system. A monitoring interval is defined by selecting a base measurement parameter, and the flow rate of the main gas stream and of the additive fluid are measured during the monitoring interval. The average ratio of additive fluid flow to the main gas stream flow during the monitoring interval is calculated by a data logger, that displays and records the result and the date and time of day that the ratio calculation is made. The monitoring intervals can be defined by a predetermined quantity of odorant flow, a predetermined quantity of main gas flow, or a particular period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Inventor: Ira C. Stanfill
  • Patent number: 4595341
    Abstract: An automobile hydraulic braking circuit comprises two reservoirs in addition to the main hydraulic fluid reservoir. One additional reservoir can replenish the other which in turn can replenish the main hydraulic reservoir. A peristaltic pump controls fluid flow to the main reservoir from the adjacent additional reservoir. Probes in the additional reservoirs operate in conjunction with control circuitry to inhibit operation of the pump to prevent contaminated fluid from being supplied to the main reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Motors Limited
    Inventor: John V. Castell-Evans
  • Patent number: 4575262
    Abstract: A temperature indicator for a fluid fixture, such as a faucet, is adapted to be mounted on the fixture. It can be mounted within the handle of a faucet and can be stationary while the handle rotates. It includes a temperature probe which is subject to temperature of fluid flowing through the fixture. A power supply, for example solar cells, and electric circuit means are provided. A display device is connected to, and driven by, the electric circuit, and is arranged on an external surface of fluid fixture. The display device indicates the temperature sensed by the temperature probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1986
    Assignee: Anderstat Controls
    Inventor: Markham L. Andersen
  • Patent number: 4532952
    Abstract: A controller for well installations which responds to external signals originating from system monitors. This response may be modified by operator inserted delays or may be utilized to carry out a SET function wherein all signals are rejected until an externally derived RESET signal is received. A priority protocol is provided with respect to the SET and RESET functions. The circuit of the controller is housed within a circuit housing which includes a polymeric seal and operates in conjunction with a sealed keypad. This circuit housing is incorporated within a principal housing and a positive pressure is maintained within that principal housing to assure the integrity thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: Logic Controls Corp.
    Inventor: William L. Norwood
  • Patent number: 4523286
    Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus for diagnosising of a valve device in a turbine system comprises at least one of a pressure sensor for sensing hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic cylinder for driving a valve body of the valve device and a position sensor for sensing the displacement of the valve body, and a processing device for processing the output signal from the above-mentioned at least one sensor. The processing device has an offset computing device which receives a signal representing the actual operating state of the valve device obtained on the basis of the output signal from the at least one sensor and a signal corresponding to a reference value obtained under the normal operating state of the valve device. The offset computing device is operable to compute the offset between the signals received thereto. A judging device is provided for judging as to whether or not there is a symptom of a sticking in the valve device, in accordance with the output signal from the offset computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Engineering Co., Hitachi Service Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuguaki Koga, Hidesumi Kuwashima, Hidenori Inoue, Hidetoshi Hamaoka, Hiroshi Ohta
  • Patent number: 4509550
    Abstract: Apparatus for determining and displaying the temperature of a mixture of two liquid streams, such as hot and cold water mixed in a shower supply line, includes a flow control valve for varying the flow rate of the mixed water independently from adjustment of temperature mixing and control valves. The apparatus includes structure for more uniformly mixing the two streams and for providing improved homogeneity of temperature in the mixture. A baffle is provided at the inlet of the device for redirecting the incoming mixture to a mixing chamber prior to exposure of a thermometer thereto. The flow control valve increases back pressure at the outlet thereby further to improve temperature uniformity of the outlet stream. The apparatus may be installed intermediate existing plumbing connections and does not require the use of specialized shower heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Inventor: Kermit R. Monk
  • Patent number: 4484695
    Abstract: A safety pressure reducing regulator for use in systems operable by pressurized gas incorporates multiple safety features which preclude excessive pressure buildup in the system and provide protection against catastrophic failures. The regulator includes primary and secondary regulator stages through which pressurized gas from a gas pressure source is supplied to a pressure control chamber which provides the operating pressure for the system. The primary regulator stage is designed to reduce the inlet gas pressure to an intermediate level. The secondary regulator stage is designed to automatically regulate the supply of the pressurized gas at the intermediate pressure to the pressure control chamber to maintain a desired operating pressure therein. A flexible diaphragm is normally disposed across the pressure control chamber which is adapted to function as a check valve to control communication between the secondary regulator stage and the pressure control chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1984
    Assignee: Draft Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Merton R. Fallon, Thomas W. Clements
  • Patent number: 4406398
    Abstract: The described invention embodies a plumbing fixture device for the determination and display of exacting control adjustments necessary to achieve a predetermined fluid temperature blend. The device of the invention employs an apparatus constructed of a set of manually operated fluid control valves with an enclosing valve body, and a temperature mixing indicator consisting of an electronic signal indicating means to translate and communicate sensed fluid discharge temperature into display indications depicting the need for a specific corrective control action by the operator. The electronic signal indicating means is an integral part of the fixture which for reasons of reliability is electrically activated by a fluid flow switch mechanically linked to the fluid control valve handles and provides a positive sequence of display indications that culminate in a quiescent state when the desired temperature range has been obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Inventor: Jean K. Perkins
  • Patent number: 4406382
    Abstract: A system for signaling emptying of a beverage storage container of a beverage dispensing system before any substantial amount of gas enters the delivery line between the container and a dispensing valve. No signal system components are in the container; instead, a fitting is mounted in the delivery line adjacent the container with two electrodes spaced from and electrically insulated from one another within the fitting for contact with the beverage. Sensing circuitry determines whether beverage bridges the two electrodes and causes signaling on non-bridging of the two electrodes by beverage in the line to indicate that the container is empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Assignee: Multiplex Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Allen R. Roth
  • Patent number: 4378027
    Abstract: A control unit/hydraulic control mechanism for controlling the hydraulic working appliances of a mine roof support unit has a control unit mounted on one side of a distributor plate, and a valve block mounted on the other side of the distributor plate. The distributor plate and the valve block constitute the hydraulic control mechanism, the valve block being constituted by a stack of pilot-operated hydraulic control valves. The control unit has a protective casing defining first and second chambers. The first chamber accomodates a plurality of electromagnetic valves. The second chamber constitutes a lead-through chamber for leading electric cables to the electromagnetic valves. The second chamber is provided with a respective socket for each of the electric cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1983
    Assignee: Gewerkschaft Eisenhutte Westfalia
    Inventors: Walter Weirich, Harry Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 4345539
    Abstract: A totally pneumatic crane warning system is disclosed capable of use in oil well environments. The crane warning system utilizes a pneumatic function generator. The pneumatic function generator includes a means for receiving a linear pneumatic signal that may be representative of a boom angle and translating that signal to a non-linear output representative of the maximum load capacity of the crane at that angle. This function is accomplished through the use of a rolling cam machined to represent the functional relationship between the boom angle and the maximum load capacity at that angle. This relationship has been found to be non-linear in nature. A pneumatic control circuit is utilized in conjunction with the rolling cam to effect the pneumatic output signal that is representative of the maximum load capacity at a given boom angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1982
    Assignee: Geosource Inc.
    Inventor: Henry L. Williams
  • Patent number: 4334561
    Abstract: A head piece for a tank for liquefied gas to be mounted in a luggage compartment of a vehicle between an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit, comprising an over-pressure safety valve, a filling valve with a one-way protection, a delivery valve with a flow-limiter and a level meter, or some of these, which head piece is of block-shaped construction and equipped with a compartment communicating with the atmosphere, through which compartment any leakage gas is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1982
    Assignee: Valico P.v.b.a.
    Inventor: Andre S. J. Van Coillie
  • Patent number: 4309661
    Abstract: An electrified fluid flows through a main pipe and its bypass line including a conducting pipe insulated from the remaining pipes and the main pipe. While the electrified fluid flows through the insulating pipe the latter acquires all electric charges which is, in turn, measured, as a current, by an ammeter connected between the insulated pipe and ground. A flow meter is disposed in the bypass line on the outgoing side of the insulated pipe and measures a flow rate. An electric charge density is calculated from the measured current and flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1982
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoru Kamoto
  • Patent number: 4308891
    Abstract: Solenoid operated directional valves are disclosed requiring minimum labor costs for original manufacture, installation at sites of use and subsequent maintenance and repair, which have electrical apparatus for actuating the solenoids, including improved terminal blocks mounted on the valve body and electrical plugs and associated junction boxes by which electrical power is supplied to the terminal block for delivery to the appropriate solenoid, the terminal block and electrical plugs having electrical connectors to enable the electrical plug and junction box to be mounted in more than one position with respect to the terminal block while providing continuity of operation of the solenoids, ground connections and lamp indicator means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1982
    Assignee: Double A Products Co.
    Inventor: Ronald L. Loup
  • Patent number: 4297903
    Abstract: A liquid transfer valve including movable valve portions. A second valve portion is movable with respect to a first valve portion to allow a probe to extend therethrough to pick up a sample liquid. Upon probe retraction, the second valve portion is movable to a position which allows the sample liquid to be injected into the valve where it is diluted and carried to a remote detector or delivery point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1981
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Edmund E. Buzza
  • Patent number: 4295412
    Abstract: A hose with a one-way valve used in a brake actuating system for automobiles. A one-way valve unit is housed in a flexible hose for connecting a booster shell of a servomotor with an intake manifold of the internal combustion engine so as to prevent leakage of vacuum. A valve housing receives therein a valve member and a valve spring thereby forming the one-way valve unit. The housing further has a valve seat, a cylindrical guide portion and an annular seal projection of diameter larger than the guide portion. A fastening band is provided on the outer periphery of the hose to prevent movement of the one-way valve and is marked with a mounting direction of the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1981
    Assignee: Nissin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuaki Hachiro
  • Patent number: 4295437
    Abstract: An apparatus for indicating breakage of a tensioned rope, or chain or the like by firing flares or other warning signals. In the preferred embodiment, an auxiliary cable running parallel to the towing or mooring cable is used to actuate firing of a first flare and to simultaneously activate a timing mechanism. Said timing mechanism fires a series of flares in a predetermined sequence. This combination allows both an immediate indication of a hazard and quick localization and recovery of a detached boat or vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1981
    Inventors: George W. Mock, Jr., George W. Mock, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4291693
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for metering fluids that are parenterally administered to a patient. The fluid metering device consists of a plastic housing having a primary fluid channel formed therein that is in fluid communication with a fluid source. A secondary fluid channel is also formed in the housing and is connected at one end to the primary fluid channel so as to be in fluid communication therewith. Fluid flows through the primary fluid channel and through a fixed resistor that is in series with the primary fluid channel. The fluid then flows through a drip tube in series with the fixed resistor. From the drip tube, the fluid is collected in a drip chamber. The secondary fluid channel is vented into the drip chamber so that the pressure at the open end of the stationary fluid channel will be the same as the pressure in the drip chamber. Thus, the fixed resistor will cause the fluid to back up, entering the secondary fluid channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1981
    Assignee: Sorenson Research Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Todd, Terry M. Wonder
  • Patent number: 4288654
    Abstract: A district heating line comprising an inner metal tube intended for the transfer of a heating medium and encircled by an insulating layer of foamed plastic. Arranged around the insulating layer is a moisture impenetrable protective tube. To enable an alarm to be given in the event of a fault in the line, elongated blocks are fixedly mounted on the outer cylindrical surface of the metal tube. The blocks are made of electrically insulating material. They each have at least one radially extending, outwardly opening channel on the outer surface thereof with the channels on adjacent blocks aligned with one another. The channels are dimensioned to accommodate the electrical conductor and position it at a fixed distance from the outer cylindrical surface of the inner metal tube. The conductor is secured in the aligned channels at the fixed distance from the outer cylindrical surface of the inner metal tube. A water soluble salt is incorporated in the electrically insulating blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Inventors: Hans Blom, Leif Wiberg
  • Patent number: 4288653
    Abstract: A district-heating line comprising an inner metal tube intended for the transfer of heating medium and encircled by an insulating layer of foamed plastic. Arranged around the insulating layer is a protective tube. To enable an alarm to be given in the event of a fault in the line, there is fixedly mounted on the outer cylindrical surface of the metal tube, an elongated block which carries at least one alarm conductor, said conductor being grouted in a fixed position in an associated channel in the block by the foamed plastic insulating material. In this way, the alarm conductor can be fixed at a given distance from the metal tube, to facilitate the localizing of a fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Inventors: Hans Blom, Leif Wiberg
  • Patent number: 4274438
    Abstract: A method for testing steam turbine admission valve assemblies for determining the operational force margins present therein which are used to diagnose the likelihood of valve inoperativeness due to the build-up of frictional forces in the valve assembly is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1981
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Bernard L. La Coste
  • Patent number: 4258736
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a low conductivity liquid carrying an electrostatic charge and flowing along a pipeline comprises two separately insulated conductive wall sections (M.sub.1, M.sub.3) of the pipeline one downstream of the other. Means are connected to each of these sections for providing a signal representing the relaxation current released from the liquid to each of the wall sections and these signals are processed to provide indications or controls dependent upon the conductivity of the liquid, the relaxation time of the liquid, the streaming current, or the charge density carried by the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1981
    Assignee: Bestobell Mobrey Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Denbow
  • Patent number: 4255967
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the setting of a valve (particularly a safety valve mounted on a vessel) comprising a valve member biassed towards a valve seat, employs a pulling device which is engaged with the valve member and operated to apply a tractive force opposed to the bias which is just sufficient to separate the valve member from the valve seat. The pulling device is preferably operated by a hydraulic or pneumatic pump. The hydraulic or pneumatic pressure which is just sufficient to separate the valve member from the valve seat is indicated by a suitable gauge and is proportional to the tractive force. The sum of the tractive force and the force acting on the valve from inside the vessel and which can be calculated from the internal pressure indicated on a pressure gauge communicating with the interior of the vessel is indicative of the setting of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1981
    Assignee: Exxon Research & Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Paul A. Grymonprez, Robert H. M. Ruyssers, Brian G. Barker
  • Patent number: 4249697
    Abstract: A temperature differential monitoring device on a steam trap receives signals from a battery powered pulse generator and includes first and second thermistors disposed, respectively, in heat transfer relation with the steam trap and with a condensate conduit connected to the trap. A differential comparator circuit responsive to the outputs of the thermistors activates a first light emitting diode when the temperature differential between the trap and the conduit equals and exceeds a predetermined value and deactivates the first light emitting diode and activates a second light emitting diode when the temperature differential is less than the predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1981
    Inventor: Harlow D. Savage, Jr.