Position Or Extent Of Motion Indicator Patents (Class 137/553)
  • Patent number: 7273067
    Abstract: A relatively small, lightweight valve actuator assembly that can withstand relatively high levels of vibration and shock includes a motor, a position sensor, and a drive belt mounted on an actuator housing assembly. The position sensor is preferably disposed within a sensor housing that is mounted on a side of the actuator housing assembly. As a result, the overall center-of-gravity (CG) and weight of the actuator assembly is significantly reduced, as is the overall size envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: James N. Quitmeyer, Kellan P. Geck, Louie T. Gaines, Jeff S. Rayner, Charles M. Royalty
  • Patent number: 7264018
    Abstract: A variable device for regulating the outlet pressure of a fluid from a valve body, includes a pressure-sensing chamber having a wall formed by a resilient self-restoring diaphragm which is responsive to pressure in the chamber. A valve element connected to the diaphragm controls flow into the chamber. Increased pressure in the chamber decreases the flow into the chamber and decreasing pressure increases flow whereby fluid flow out from the chamber is maintained at a desired pressure. The outlet pressure is adjusted by deflecting the diaphragm in a direction to open the valve while permitting a section of the diaphragm connected to the valve member to remain responsive to the pressure in the chamber. An adjustment cover is provided to adjustably deflect the diaphragm and includes a catch mechanism to allow adjustment of the fluid outlet pressures and also retain the device at a desired value. An indicator arrangement may be provided to visually indicate the fluid outlet pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventors: Roger Massengale, Stanley E. Fry, Charles J. McPhee
  • Patent number: 7213606
    Abstract: A valve device comprises a pipe, a first closing element, mobile between a first position in which it leaves the pipe open and a second position in which it seals the pipe closed, a second closing element, mobile between a first position in which it leaves the pipe open and a second position in which it seals the pipe closed; the first and the second closing elements, in their respective second closed positions, form a chamber and the valve device also comprises an orbital head for supporting at least one nozzle which dispenses a washing fluid, for cleaning the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Vima Impianti S.R.L.
    Inventor: Patrizia Nanni
  • Patent number: 7207351
    Abstract: In a switching valve containing a valve member for opening and closing a valve seat and a piston for driving the valve member by the action of a pilot fluid pressure inside a valve housing, a magnet for positional detection is attached to the piston, two sensor attachment grooves extending in the direction of the axial line L of the switching valve and having different groove lengths in accordance with the operational position are formed in parallel on the side face of the valve housing, and magnetic sensors are attached at locations on the side of the innermost end wall in the attachment grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Bunya Hayashi, Shinji Miyazoe, Shinichi Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 7191800
    Abstract: A fluid power controller device comprises a plurality of valve modules arranged sequentially in a row direction and collected together as an array-like unit, such modules comprising respectively a principal valve having at least one moving valve member and at least one electrically operated valve drive for the principal valve. At least two of the valve modules placed sequentially in the row direction are spaced from each other with the formation of an intermediate space. In such intermediate space a diagnostic module is placed for the detection of at least one operational state of one or both principal valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Michael Berner, Grzegorz Bogdanowicz
  • Patent number: 7191797
    Abstract: A rotary distribution apparatus includes a fixed inner distribution member (12) with inner conduit zone; a rotatable distribution member (16) rotatable about the fixed inner distribution member; a plurality of fluid distribution chambers (18) located between the fixed inner distribution member and the rotatable outer distribution member; each fluid distribution chamber having a fixed port (20) in the fixed inner distribution member to which a fixed supply or return conduit for a fluid can in use be connected and at least one distribution port (22) in the rotatable outer distribution member; at least one indexing arrangement (24) including a rotatable indexing member (26) and a fixed indexing member (28); a plurality of passageways (30, 32, 38, 40) extending through each of the rotatable and fixed indexing members (26, 28), the plurality of passageways each having indexing ports (30.2, 32.2, 38.2, 40.2) and connection ports (30.1, 32.1, 38.1, 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Tongaat-Hulett Group Limited
    Inventors: Craig Jensen, Michael Greenfield, Leon Smith
  • Patent number: 7128093
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical fluid ejection device configured for detecting a fault condition is provided. The device comprises a mechanical actuator, drive circuitry and a switch device. The actuator is displaceable upon receipt of an electrical current from the drive circuitry and the displacement causes ejection of fluid from an aperture in the device. The switch device determines an extent of displacement of the actuator and comprises a contact element positioned for contact with the actuator; and processing circuitry for detecting when the actuator makes contact with the contact element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kia Silverbrook
  • Patent number: 7121525
    Abstract: A method of determining timing clearance between a valve stem and a moving member using an electromagnetic actuator comprising electromagnets, an electromagnet for moving the moving member from a closed position towards an open position and an electromagnet for moving the moving member from an open position towards a closed position, each electromagnet being controlled on the basis of a reference electrical characteristic, the method comprising: controlling an electromagnet to obtain a displacement speed for a moving member as the moving member moves from one of a closed position or an open position towards the other one of an open position or a closed position; obtaining values of a reference electrical characteristic for intermediate positions of the moving member; and detecting an intermediate position at which the reference electrical characteristic is subject to a sudden change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Nicolas Gelez
  • Patent number: 7114511
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a mass flow controller to have a constant control loop gain under a variety of different types of fluids and operating conditions, and for configuring the mass flow controller for operation with a fluid and/or operating conditions different from that used during a production of the mass flow controller. Further, the system and method includes providing control by reducing the effects of hysteresis in solenoid actuated devices by providing a non-operational signal to the solenoid actuated device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Celerity Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John M Lull, Chiun Wang, William S Valentine, Joseph A Saggio, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7114520
    Abstract: A variable device for regulating the outlet pressure of a fluid from a valve body, includes a pressure-sensing chamber having a wall formed by a resilient self-restoring diaphragm which is responsive to pressure in the chamber. A valve element connected to the diaphragm controls flow into the chamber. Increased pressure in the chamber decreases the flow into the chamber and decreasing pressure increases flow whereby fluid flow out from the chamber is maintained at a desired pressure. The outlet pressure is adjusted by deflecting the diaphragm in a direction to open the valve while permitting a section of the diaphragm connected to the valve member to remain responsive to the pressure in the chamber. An adjustment cover is provided to adjustably deflect the diaphragm and includes a catch mechanism to allow adjustment of the fluid outlet pressures and also retain the device at a desired value. An indicator arrangement may be provided to visually indicate the fluid outlet pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: I-Flow Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Massengale, Stanley E. Fry, Charles J. McPhee
  • Patent number: 7066202
    Abstract: An indicator-equipped flow regulating valve includes a valve body through which a fluid flows, a connecting body connected to an upper portion of the valve body, a housing connected to an upper portion of the connecting body, a piston arranged in the connecting body and the housing and displaceable when pressed by the pilot air, a shaft connected to the piston, a diaphragm connected to a lower end of the shaft and seated on a valve seat formed in the valve body, a flow regulating section regulating the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the valve body, and an indicator section indicating an opened/closed state of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Fukano
  • Patent number: 7066441
    Abstract: A device for controllably restricting flow through a resilient tube including a block and a pair of generally J-shaped leg members pivotally mounted to the block. The leg members, when pivoted together, together provide a tube support surface. The block is formed with a bore in which there is a rotatable internally threaded sleeve. A jaw member having a threaded shaft is threadedly mated to the sleeve and a knob is fixedly secured to the sleeve for rotation therewith. Accordingly, rotation of the knob moves the jaw member toward and away from the tube support surface to provide desired compression to a length of resilient tubing captured between the jaw and the tube support surface. By pivoting the leg members away from each other, space is provided for installation of the flow restriction device at any desired point along the length of the tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen Warburton-Pitt
  • Patent number: 7055539
    Abstract: A normally closed electromagnetic valve is closed again after temporarily being opened during an abnormality check of the valve. When the valve is opened, electricity is supplied so that a plunger is moved by a coil but a back face of the plunger does not abut against a receiving face of a fixed portion. Because the plunger does not strike the fixed portion, no impact noise is generated. Also, when the valve is closed, the electricity is not instantly dropped to zero, but is gradually reduced. As a result, impact noise when the valve strikes the valve seat is able to be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masakuni Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7036789
    Abstract: A distribution valve having a flowmeter for use in a flow pipe of a hot water heating circuit. The distribution valve has a branch line and an adjusting and measuring unit for adjusting and displaying the flow rate through the branch line with the elements being screwed into opposing threaded holes of the distribution line. The valve gap determines the flow rate through the branch line formed between a closing body and a valve seat body with the valve seat body being configured from a fixed housing section of the adjusting and measuring unit. The flow is measured with an inflow member that is displaced by fluidic forces against a spring force in a flow canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Ostaco AG
    Inventor: Toni Famos
  • Patent number: 7025088
    Abstract: A method of providing an indication of the position of a valve member of a valve in a fluid path where the valve member is moveable between a fully open position in which a maximum flow of fluid past the valve member is permitted and a closed position in which fluid flow past the valve member is at least substantially prevented, the method including sensing the fluid pressure in the fluid path upstream of the valve member to provide a first signal to a controller, sensing fluid pressure in the fluid path downstream of the valve member to provide a second signal to the controller, and sensing fluid flow downstream of the valve member to provide a third signal to the controller, the controller comparing the first and second signals and applying the third signal, and depending on the comparison of the first and second signals and the third signal, the controller signalling an alerting device which indicates whether the valve member is in at least one of an open and closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell Normalair-Garrett (Holdings) Limited
    Inventor: Arthur Frank Saunders
  • Patent number: 6981915
    Abstract: A control system for controlling airflow through a vent. The system includes a vent assembly having a frame. The frame includes an opening to allow air to flow through the frame. The vent assembly also includes a movable damper for variably restricting the fluid flow through the opening in the vent assembly, a motor for controlling movement of the damper, and a sensor for determining the position of the damper. In addition, a controller is provided to control the motor to vary the position of the damper to thereby vary the airflow through the opening in the vent assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Allen Moore, Abdlmonem H. Beitelmal, Cullen E. Bash
  • Patent number: 6959837
    Abstract: A dual piston/poppet valve in a fuel dispenser works with a two-stage valve to help eliminate errors from an inferential flow meter. When the two-stage valve opens partially, a secondary fuel path is opened in the dual piston/poppet valve. A sensor detects the opening of the secondary fuel path and reports its opening to a control system. The two-stage valve opens fully and a primary fuel path is opened concurrently. During transaction completion, the two-stage valve partially closes, resulting in the closing of the primary fuel path. When the two-stage valve closes completely, the secondary fuel path closes. The sensor detects the closing of the secondary fuel path and reports the closing to the control system. Based on the outputs of the sensor, the control system accepts or declines input from a flow meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Shermer, Seifollah S. Nanaji
  • Patent number: 6942785
    Abstract: A system for automated treatment of fluids having interchangeable process modules (39, 40, 41, 42, 43), which are arranged next to each other, and which are respectively provided with a control unit and a fluid unit. The fluid unit is controlled by the control unit in order to carry out a module-specific process function during the treatment of the fluids. The control units are interconnected via a data bus (48), which is common to the process modules (39, 40, 41, 42, 43), and the fluid units are interconnected by a fluid bus (49) that has several channels. A fluid bus section is provided for at least one part of the channels inside each process module (e.g., 42). This section has fluid bus interfaces (52) at the ends thereof. A connection unit (51) is configured to be mounted between the respectively adjacent fluid bus interfaces (52) of two successive process modules (e.g., 41, 42) in at least two different mounting positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Bayer, Klaus-Dieter Fiebelkorn, Axel Gerlt, Joerg Hassel, Richard Mateman, Arno Steckenborn, Jeroen Wissink
  • Patent number: 6938642
    Abstract: A variable device for regulating the outlet pressure of a fluid from a valve body, includes a pressure-sensing chamber having a wall formed by a resilient self-restoring diaphragm which is responsive to pressure in the chamber. A valve element connected to the diaphragm controls flow into the chamber. Increased pressure in the chamber decreases the flow into the chamber and decreasing pressure increases flow whereby fluid flow out from the chamber is maintained at a desired pressure. The outlet pressure is adjusted by deflecting the diaphragm in a direction to open the valve while permitting a section of the diaphragm connected to the valve member to remain responsive to the pressure in the chamber. An adjustment cover is provided to adjustably deflect the diaphragm and includes a catch mechanism to allow adjustment of the fluid outlet pressures and also retain the device at a desired value. An indicator arrangement may be provided to visually indicate the fluid outlet pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: I-Flow Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Massengale, Stanley E. Fry, Charles J. McPhee
  • Patent number: 6935365
    Abstract: A rotary slide for medium-carrying pipelines is proposed, comprising a housing (1) capable of being installed between two pipeline ends and having a stop member (9) for shutting off the pipeline and having an actuating device (8) for actuating the stop member, the housing possessing a first reception region (4) for receiving the stop member in the closed position of the rotary slide, a second reception region (5) for receiving the stop member in the open position of the rotary slide and a drive region (3) for receiving the actuating device, and the drive region (3) being arranged in the housing (1) separately from the first and the second reception region (4, 5). The rotary slide is distinguished by a compact and corrosion-resistant form of construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Wavin AG
    Inventors: Bernd Schuster, Bernd Schwarz, Rufold Nikles
  • Patent number: 6929235
    Abstract: A clamp having a first clamp body, a second clamp body, and a clamping structure coupled to at least one of the first and second clamp bodies. One or both of the clamp bodies form a channel adapted to receive a tube. The clamping structure is movable in the channel to control the flow rate of a fluid flowing through the tube. In one embodiment, the clamp is provided as a rotary clamp having clamp bodies that are adapted to be rotated relative to each other to control the flow rate of a fluid through a tube disposed in the rotary clamp. The rotary clamp has a substantially linear, or otherwise pre-determined, relationship between flow rate of a fluid flowing through the tube and rotation of the second clamp body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Murray J. Height, Eun Young Hwang, Timothy J. Prestero
  • Patent number: 6929236
    Abstract: The apparatus for flow rate control of a fluid provides a roller clamp having either a clamp body with a non-linear clamp body surface or a clamp body with a non-linear adjustment roller track, which, when coupled to a tube, provides a linear, or otherwise pre-determined, relationship between flow rate of a fluid flowing through the tube and adjustment of the roller clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Murray J. Height, Eun Young Hwang, Timothy J. Prestero
  • Patent number: 6920896
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a visual valve indicator comprised of a handle assembly with peripheral sidewalls attached to a linear moving valve stem for opening and closing of the valve and a grommet stratified into one or more color bands attached to and surrounding the base of the valve stem. A breakaway portion of the grommet allows the handle assembly to close if the grommet is frozen, by breaking away from the grommet. A sawtooth-edged inner radius of the grommet allows the grommet to slide one direction when pushed down by the handle assembly, if the valve is worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Torrent Trading Ltd.
    Inventors: Leon Kerger, Bert Pistor
  • Patent number: 6918407
    Abstract: A safety device protects a mud pump from an over pressure condition, which can occur during normal operation. The mud pump discharge couples to a high pressure inlet at the bottom of a valve body and the discharge outlet from the valve discharges to the side of the body, ninety degrees to the inlet. In a first aspect, the safety device includes a load piston mounted to a shaft which passes through a pressure chamber cap and connects to a pneumatic cylinder assembly on the top side of the pressure chamber cap. The pneumatic cylinder assembly is operated by a control valve mounted to the base of the cylinder to set the pressure at which the safety device actuates. In a further aspect, the safety device includes a light transmissive indicator cylinder, with a flag therein mounted on a rod coupling the valve to a pneumatic actuator piston, between the actuator piston and the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: W. W. Offshore, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris White, Richard D. Williams
  • Patent number: 6899129
    Abstract: A shutoff valve includes a positive position indicator for indicating the position of a piston in the valve. The valve position indicator is operably connected to a piston within the valve so that movement of the piston causes a corresponding movement of the valve position indicator. The shutoff valve may also include one or more springs acting on the piston to close the valve. Each spring is independently capable of closing the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Louis J. Jannotta
  • Patent number: 6892752
    Abstract: A pipeline isolating device for istallation into and occlusion of a pressurised liquid or fluid supply pipe comprising a substantially solid and deformable boot (1) wich is adapted to move between an expanded and an unexpanded state and a shaped plunger (2) adapted to move into and out of said boot (1) wherein the boot (1) has a hollow interior (3) with a displacement contour (6) adapted to receive and cooperate with said plunger (2) so as to cause said boot (1) to move between said expanded state when the plunger (2) is inserted into said hollow interior (3) of the boot (1) and said unexpanded state when said plunger (2) is withdrawn from the interior (3) of the boot (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignees: Yarra Valley Water, E D Evans Holdings PTY LTD
    Inventors: Richard Burlock, Craig Evans
  • Patent number: 6874756
    Abstract: A valve assembly including a valve, a mounting plate, a snap-together actuator, and a mounting bracket. The snap-together actuator is assembled by a set of snap wings that are attached to one piece of the actuator housing and inserted into slits in the other piece of the actuator housing. The actuator housing is then bolted to the valve and mounting plate. The mounting plate is received by the mounting bracket, which may be pre-mounted into place in the valve system. The mounting bracket contains a retaining clip and a snap wing that secures the valve mounting plate to the valve mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Darin Hawkins, George Carlson, David R. Kattler
  • Patent number: 6871665
    Abstract: A valve assembly (20) including a valve body (24) and a position-indicating knob assembly (28) is provided wherein the assembly (28) indicates three different valve positions, namely valve closed, partially opened and full open positions. The preferred assembly (28) includes a rotatable knob (44) including a viewing port (80) therein, together with an indicator ring (40) having three differently colored regions (62-66) corresponding to the different valve positions. A coupling assembly (42, 80, 70, 90) operably couples the knob (44) and indicator (40) so that the individual colored regions (62-66) come into view through the port (80) when the valve body (24) reaches the different valve positions. The assembly (28) is particularly useful with valves requiring greater than one revolution between valve closed and valve full open positions, such as valves used in conjunction with emergency oxygen cylinders on aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: BE Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Hannah, Enrique A. Cordero
  • Patent number: 6837271
    Abstract: A liquid flow control valve has a valve body 10 in which is mounted a valve member 41 moveable between valve open and closed positions. A turbine 15 senses liquid flow through the valve body 10 and generates electrical pulses which are counted by a control circuit, over a pre-set period. An electro-magnet 54,55 controls operation of the valve member 41 and is driven by the control circuit so as to close the valve in the event that flow continues for longer than the pre-set period or the flow is greater than at a pre-set rate. The valve may also be closed should the temperature fall to about 0° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: William Henry Saint
  • Patent number: 6830060
    Abstract: An air mass flow controller valve containing at least two air channels that deliver desired air mass amount from a single inlet to fuel cell(s) through at least one channel of the at least two air channels. Preferably, a single housing encloses the inlet, two air channels and actuating devices. Each air channel includes an actuating device that actuates an associated closure member to regulate air flow from the inlet through the air channel as a function of a signal from an air mass sensor or a controller signal. The signal from each air mass sensor can be directly coupled to the actuating device, or the signal can be used as an error correction signal to feed back control the actuating device associated with the air mass sensor and the air channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederic Gagnon
  • Patent number: 6814096
    Abstract: A closed loop pressure controller system that sets, measures and controls the process pressure within a semiconductor process is shown. The system is commonly composed of a pressure sensor to collect the pressure information, a controller box that hosts the control electronics, and a valve to physically affect the conductivity of the inlet or outlet gas line and accordingly the process pressure. The present invention differs from the prior art by using closed-loop motor control of the valve, rather than the method of the prior art, where the valve position is controlled by a stepper motor actuator driven in an open loop fashion. It is demonstrated that the utility of such prior art open-loop configurations is limited by the fact that the achievable precision of the valve position is hindered by static friction in the valve system, and the non-linear character of the torque versus shaft-angle of the motor (among other error components).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Nor-Cal Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Emmanuel Vyers, William Ballard, David Kruse, Sean Mallory, Per Cederstav
  • Patent number: 6811187
    Abstract: A data resource specific to a pipe coupling centrally positioned within the coupling, intermediate the coupling ends. Multiple couplings are employed to connect together a string of well pipe. The data resource is adapted to be deployed at the coupling center in the space formed between the abutting ends of pipe made up into the coupling. The data resource provides information regarding the physical characteristics and locations of the coupling, the attached string pipe or the environment within which the coupling is disposed. The data resource may be a read-only component or it may be a readable and writeable component. The resource communicates with an instrument movable through the pipe and coupling. The data resource may be removably positioned at the center of the coupling or it may be permanently cemented in place. The data resource may take on the form of an annular ring with a crushable structure and suitable recesses for holding a data resource module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Grant Prideco, L.P.
    Inventors: Gregory K. Otten, Martin McIville Morrish
  • Publication number: 20040149942
    Abstract: A shut off valve for use with a concrete delivery hose includes a single flexible cylindrical sleeve disposed within a one piece, continuous rigid casing that surrounds the hose. A gas chamber is defined between the sleeve and the casing so that when pressurized gas is forced into the chamber, the sleeve will be displaced radially inwardly to constrict the hose and stop the flow of concrete. The shut-off valve also includes a relief valve for quickly exhausting gas from the valve, and an off/on indicator for indicating open/closed positions of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Gary D. Lehnhardt, Gordon W. Guslick, Rolando Altamirano, Gerald Biever, James H. Larson
  • Patent number: 6763850
    Abstract: A throttle plate control system mounts a rotational position sensor directly to a throttle body structure to take advantage of vibration isolation provided for the throttle body structure. The configuration is compact and connects the throttle plate of the throttle body structure in force transmitting relation with a rotational position sensor by using a cam structure. A cam member is coupled to a movable portion of a rotational position sensor and a cam follower is rigidly attached to the throttle plate shaft within the throttle body structure. By shaping the cam surface of the cam member, a nonlinear relationship can be specifically predetermined in order to maximize the operation of a throttle control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Jansen, David W. Kusche
  • Publication number: 20040129316
    Abstract: A method of providing an indication of the position of a valve member of a valve in a fluid path where the valve member is moveable between a fully open position in which a maximum flow of fluid past the valve member is permitted and a closed position in which fluid flow past the valve member is at least substantially prevented, the method including sensing the fluid pressure in the fluid path upstream of the valve member to provide a first signal to a controller, sensing fluid pressure in the fluid path downstream of the valve member to provide a second signal to the controller, and sensing fluid flow downstream of the valve member to provide a third signal to the controller, the controller comparing the first and second signals and applying the third signal, and depending on the comparison of the first and second signals and the third signal, the controller signalling an alerting device which indicates whether the valve member is in at least one of an open and closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: Honeywell Normalair-Garrett (Holdings) Limited
    Inventor: Arthur Frank Saunders
  • Patent number: 6725880
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a regulating valve for regulating and automatically controlling a fluid for a constant flow, comprising a valve body, a valve stem in the body, a pressure difference transducer, a first clack, and a second clack whose main body is a sleeve. At the outside of the sleeve are provided two concentric projects and guiding ribs perpendicular to the projects. The invention, compared to the prior art, has advantages of good performance and reliability, simple and compact structure. The regulating valve according to the invention can automatically regulated with an electric actuator or a pneumatic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Dalin Liu
  • Patent number: 6718804
    Abstract: A lockout device (20, 120, 220) for locking a valve (22, 122, 222) into its closed position. In a first embodiment, a lockout device (20) is adapted for use with a valve (22) having a lever-type handle (24) and a valve body (28). Accordingly, the first embodiment includes a generally cup-shaped member (36) having an elongate close-ended slot (46) for receiving the lever-type handle. In a second embodiment, a lockout device (120) is adapted for use with a valve (122) that includes a handle (124) having raised indicia (174) on its upper surface (176). Accordingly, the second embodiment includes a generally cup-shaped member (136) that includes an end wall (140) having a recess (182) for receiving the raised indicia only when the valve is in its fully-closed position. A third embodiment of a lockout device (220) comprises a base (272) and a locking member (274) telescopically engaging the base. The locking member may alternately be positioned in a retracted, unlocked position and an extended, locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Innovative Fluid Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Jay L. Graves, Jay P. Tilley
  • Patent number: 6681791
    Abstract: Valve assembly comprising a valve base, a valve bonnet attached thereto, a rotatable valve stem extending coaxially through the valve bonnet, a rotatable valve handle attached to the valve stem and having a plane of rotation which is generally perpendicular to the axis of the valve stem, and an indicator tab attached to the valve base or the valve bonnet and extending outward from the valve body or valve bonnet in a direction generally parallel to the plane of rotation of the valve handle. The rotatable valve handle can be disposed in at least a first position and a second position, wherein the rotatable handle when disposed in the first position renders the indicator tab invisible when viewed in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the valve handle, and wherein the rotatable handle when disposed in the second position renders the indicator tab visible when viewed in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the valve handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Chorney, Richard Linton Samsal, Stanley Louis Morton, Peter Joseph Kielhofner, Todd Jeffrey Siegfried, Thomas Anderson
  • Patent number: 6619308
    Abstract: A variable device for regulating the outlet pressure of a fluid from a valve body, includes a pressure-sensing chamber having a wall formed by a resilient self-restoring diaphragm which is responsive to pressure in the chamber. A valve element connected to the diaphragm controls flow into the chamber. Increased pressure in the chamber decreases the flow into the chamber and decreasing pressure increases flow whereby fluid flow out from the chamber is maintained at a desired pressure. The outlet pressure is adjusted by deflecting the diaphragm in a direction to open the valve while permitting a section of the diaphragm connected to the valve member to remain responsive to the pressure in the chamber. An adjustment cover is provided to adjustably deflect the diaphragm and includes a catch mechanism to allow adjustment of the fluid outlet pressures and also retain the device at a desired value. An indicator arrangement may be provided to visually indicate the fluid outlet pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: I-Flow Corporation
    Inventors: Roger Massengale, Stanley E. Fry, Charles J. McPhee
  • Patent number: 6607175
    Abstract: The present invention is related to valves for the controlling the flow of media. For example, the valves of the present invention may control the flow of solid media into a fluid stream. More, specifically, the valves of the present invention may be used to control the flow of a blasting media into an air stream as part of a blasting apparatus for treatment of a surface. In one embodiment, the media control valve of the present invention includes a valve body having a media inlet and a media outlet. A housing is connected to the valve body. A plunger is positioned within the valve body and is connected to a piston positioned within the housing. A base is connected to the valve body such that it communicates with the media outlet. The media control valve of this embodiment may further include a sleeve disposed between the valve body and the plunger. This sleeve may contain a media opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Phuong T. Nguyen, Robert E. Thompson, Joshua J. Kimmel
  • Publication number: 20030140969
    Abstract: A rotary slide for medium-carrying pipelines is proposed, comprising a housing (1) capable of being installed between two pipeline ends and having a stop member (9) for shutting off the pipeline and having an actuating device (8) for actuating the stop member, the housing possessing a first reception region (4) for receiving the stop member in the closed position of the rotary slide, a second reception region (5) for receiving the stop member in the open position of the rotary slide and a drive region (3) for receiving the actuating device, and the drive region (3) being arranged in the housing (1) separately from the first and the second reception region (4, 5). The rotary slide is distinguished by a compact and corrosion-resistant form of construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Bernd Schuster, Bernd Schwarz, Rufold Nikles
  • Publication number: 20030098073
    Abstract: A shutoff valve includes a positive position indicator for indicating the position of a piston in the valve. The valve position indicator is operably connected to a piston within the valve so that movement of the piston causes a corresponding movement of the valve position indicator. The shutoff valve may also include one or more springs acting on the piston to close the valve. Each spring is independently capable of closing the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Louis J. Jannotta
  • Publication number: 20030029505
    Abstract: A safety device protects a mud pump from an over pressure condition, which can occur during normal operation. The mud pump discharge couples to a high pressure inlet at the bottom of a valve body and the discharge outlet from the valve discharges to the side of the body, ninety degrees to the inlet. In a first aspect, the safety device includes a load piston mounted to a shaft which passes through a pressure chamber cap and connects to a pneumatic cylinder assembly on the top side of the pressure chamber cap. The pneumatic cylinder assembly is operated by a control valve mounted to the base of the cylinder to set the pressure at which the safety device actuates. In a further aspect, the safety device includes a light transmissive indicator cylinder, with a flag therein mounted on a rod coupling the valve to a pneumatic actuator piston, between the actuator piston and the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Chris White, Richard D. Williams
  • Patent number: 6484746
    Abstract: A manually operated fuel valve having OFF, ON and RESERVE positions which comprises a valve body with a standpipe extending therefrom for receiving fuel from a fuel tank and supplying fuel to an engine the said valve is in an ON position. the valve body defines a first passage therethrough in communication with the standpipe for permitting passage of fuel to a fuel exit port when the valve is in the ON position. The valve body defines a second passage therethough for fuel to said exit port when the valve is in a RESERVE position. A rotatable fuel regulator member is positioned in the valve body for blocking the second passage when the regulator member is in a valve ON position and permitting passage of fuel through the standpipe and the first passage. The regulator member is effective to block passage of fuel from passing through both of the passages when rotated to an OFF position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Theodore J. Tine, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6481459
    Abstract: A two-way valve has a diaphragm for opening and closing a fluid passage under an action of a pilot pressure. Further, the two-way valve has an indicator section. Displacement of a first rod and a second rod connected to the diaphragm is directly transmitted to the indicator section so that the indicator section can indicate whether the two-way valve is in the ON state where the fluid passage is opened or the two-way valve is in the OFF state where the fluid passage is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Tadashi Uchino
  • Publication number: 20020148509
    Abstract: A manually operated fuel valve having OFF, ON and RESERVE positions which comprises a valve body with a standpipe extending therefrom for receiving fuel from a fuel tank and supplying fuel to an engine the said valve is in an ON position. the valve body defines a first passage therethrough in communication with the standpipe for permitting passage of fuel to a fuel exit port when the valve is in the ON position. The valve body defines a second passage therethough for fuel to said exit port when the valve is in a RESERVE position. A rotatable fuel regulator member is positioned in the valve body for blocking the second passage when the regulator member is in a valve ON position and permitting passage of fuel through the standpipe and the first passage. The regulator member is effective to block passage of fuel from passing through both of the passages when rotated to an OFF position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Theodore J. Tine
  • Patent number: 6463955
    Abstract: Rotary handle device includes a coupling mechanism between the handle and a driven member. The handle is rotated about an axis and can also be axially moved between first and second positions. When the handle is in the first axial position it is operatively engaged with the driven member, and when the handle is in its second axial position it is operatively disengaged from the driven member. The handle drives the driven member via a coupling mechanism in the form of a keyed coupling between the handle and the driven member. The handle can be locked or receive a lock out device against rotation when it is in its second axial position. The keyed coupling and/or the pin and track arrangement can be used to permit axial movement of the handle only when the handle is in a predetermined orientation. The handle mechanism is shown in combination with a rotary operated valve having a valve stem as the driven member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: David J. Hasak, Michael A. Fornes, Jennifer K. Peteritis
  • Publication number: 20020104569
    Abstract: A variable device for regulating the outlet pressure of a fluid from a valve body, includes a pressure-sensing chamber having a wall formed by a resilient self-restoring diaphragm which is responsive to pressure in the chamber. A valve element connected to the diaphragm controls flow into the chamber. Increased pressure in the chamber decreases the flow into the chamber and decreasing pressure increases flow whereby fluid flow out from the chamber is maintained at a desired pressure. The outlet pressure is adjusted by deflecting the diaphragm in a direction to open the valve while permitting a section of the diaphragm connected to the valve member to remain responsive to the pressure in the chamber. An adjustment cover is provided to adjustably deflect the diaphragm and includes a catch mechanism to allow adjustment of the fluid outlet pressures and also retain the device at a desired value. An indicator arrangement may be provided to visually indicate the fluid outlet pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Roger Massengale, Stanley F. Fry, Charles J. McPhee
  • Publication number: 20020002998
    Abstract: A two-way valve has a diaphragm for opening and closing a fluid passage under an action of a pilot pressure. Further, the two-way valve has an indicator section. Displacement of a first rod and a second rod connected to the diaphragm is directly transmitted to the indicator section so that the indicator section can indicate whether the two-way valve is in the ON state where the fluid passage is opened or the two-way valve is in the OFF state where said fluid passage is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Tadashi Uchino
  • Publication number: 20010052362
    Abstract: Rotary handle device includes a coupling mechanism between the handle and a driven member. The handle is rotated about an axis and can also be axially moved between first and second positions. When the handle is in the first axial position it is operatively engaged with the driven member, and when the handle is in its second axial position it is operatively disengaged from the driven member. The handle drives the driven member via a coupling mechanism in the form of a keyed coupling between the handle and the driven member. The handle can be locked or receive a lock out device against rotation when it is in its second axial position. The keyed coupling and/or the pin and track arrangement can be used to permit axial movement of the handle only when the handle is in a predetermined orientation. The handle mechanism is shown in combination with a rotary operated valve having a valve stem as the driven member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: David J. Hasak, Michael A. Fornes, Jennifer K. Peteritis