Inspection Means Patents (Class 137/559)
  • Patent number: 8528594
    Abstract: Hydraulic system with a hydraulic machine, in particular an axial piston or radial piston unit, with rotating and moving machine components which are arranged in a housing. The housing is connected to a high-pressure and a low-pressure line of a working circuit, which is supplied with pressure fluid by means of a charge pump. The leakage fluid which occurs in the housing collects in a leakage fluid reservoir which is arranged below the rotating and moving hydraulic machine components in the working position of the hydraulic machine and is connected fluidically to the housing. The leakage fluid is pumped out of the leakage fluid reservoir into the low-pressure line of the working circuit by the charge pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss Inc.
    Inventor: Wilhelm Gollner
  • Patent number: 8506761
    Abstract: An assembly for recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution includes a recycler module including a distillation assembly and an air handler assembly. The distillation assembly includes a distiller and a conduit that includes a condenser and a sight glass. The air handler assembly includes a duct having an intake port, an exhaust port and a source of air flow. The condenser is disposed within the duct and the sight glass is disposed external to the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudy Publ, David Kisela, Tim Rothwell, Greg Merz, Gary Myers
  • Patent number: 8470136
    Abstract: An assembly for removing contaminants from objects and recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution includes a parts washer assembly including a container for a contaminated solvent solution and a recycling assembly that includes a reservoir module connected to a recycler module. The reservoir module includes a mounted reservoir including an interior volume and a removable lid that reduces the interior volume and includes an access port. The recycler module includes a distillation assembly and an air handler assembly. The distillation assembly includes a distiller and a conduit including a condenser and a sight glass. The air handler assembly includes a duct having an intake port, an exhaust port and a source of air flow. The condenser is disposed within the duct and the sight glass is disposed external to the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudy Publ, David Kisela, Tim Rothwell, Greg Merz, Gary Myers
  • Patent number: 8470137
    Abstract: An assembly for recycling a solvent from a contaminated solvent solution includes a reservoir module connected to a recycler module. The reservoir module includes a mounted reservoir including an interior volume and a removable lid that reduces the interior volume and includes an access port. The recycler module includes a distillation assembly and an air handler assembly. The distillation assembly includes a distiller and a conduit including a condenser and a sight glass. The air handler assembly includes a duct having an intake port, an exhaust port and a source of air flow. The condenser is disposed within the duct and the sight glass is disposed external to the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Safety-Kleen Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudy Publ, David Kisela, Tim Rothwell, Greg Merz, Gary Myers
  • Patent number: 8464744
    Abstract: A water sensor and activation assembly including a paper element to sense the presence of water leaks from appliances such as clothes washing machines, refrigerator ice makers and the like, and to cause an associated water shutoff valve to turn off the source of water leakage. The water sensor, in conjunction with the shutoff valve, operates without any electrical power requirement. The design allows the water sensor to operate in a high humidity environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Robert C. Franklin
  • Publication number: 20130112296
    Abstract: A microfluidic system capable of determining at least one of the existence and the amount of a fluid by use of an optical sensor even if the fluid is transparent. The microfluidic system includes a platform including at least one chamber configured to accommodate a fluid, at least one channel connected to the at least one chamber, and at least one protrusion disposed on an inner surface of the at least one chamber and configured to show a difference in transmittance according to the existence of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8418718
    Abstract: A double-walled above-ground storage tank includes a primary tank and a secondary tank, and an interstitial space; an containment chamber formed by a primary chamber wall and a secondary chamber wall, forming a chamber interstitial space therebetween, and an exterior door assembly; and at least one pipe and valve assembly wherein the pipe originates in the tank interior volume and the valve is disposed within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Enviro Vault Inc.
    Inventor: Russ Hebblethwaite
  • Patent number: 8381583
    Abstract: A method for determining a functioning of a gas bleed valve in a primary reservoir for a medium for a hydraulic system includes connecting a testing apparatus with a separate reservoir of the medium to the primary reservoir; pumping the medium from the separate reservoir to the primary reservoir; measuring the volume of the medium pumped from the separate reservoir to the primary reservoir; and determining the functioning of the gas bleed valve by comparing the volume of the medium pumped to the primary reservoir with: a change of the medium volume measured in the primary reservoir, or a change of the pressure of the medium pumped to the primary reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sun Test Systems B.V.
    Inventor: Klaus Leonard Witt
  • Patent number: 8365767
    Abstract: An electronic user interface for use with a water delivery device, such as a faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Kyle Robert Davidson, Michael J. Veros, Austin Ray Murray, Paul D. Koottungal
  • Patent number: 8365766
    Abstract: An observation valve structure includes an inlet pipe joint. The inlet pipe joint has an outer threaded section at an inner end thereof, an annular guide groove in the inlet pipe joint, and guide holes at the inner end thereof. The annular guide groove communicates with the guide holes. The inlet pipe joint has a stop trough at the inner end thereof for insertion of an annular gasket. A holder is provided on top of the connector body. The holder has two threaded holes at two sides thereof close to the inlet end of the connector body. A plate is positioned on the holder by two screws which are screwed in the threaded holes. The plate has a top surface with characters which are perpendicular to each other, a position hole disposed close to the middle character, and two apertures disposed at an outer side of the other two characters for insertion of the two screws. The handle has an indication plate. The indication plate has a positioning bead hole for insertion of a positioning bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Y. S. Hardware Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Yuan Wang
  • Patent number: 8360276
    Abstract: A manual inflator having a status indicator that indicates whether a fully-charged, unspent gas cylinder has been installed on the inflator. The status indicator comprises a “single point” indicator having an indicator window that displays the color “green” when the automatic inflator is fully operational or the color “red” when the inflator is at least partially inoperable automatically due to the removal of the gas cylinder or due to the firing of the inflator resulting in a spent gas cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Halkey-Roberts Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen J. Rogier, Lyman W. Fawcett, Jr., Alan D. King
  • Publication number: 20130014841
    Abstract: A compressor includes a discharge chamber, a compression chamber, a partition wall, and a discharge reed valve. The partition wall is arranged between the discharge chamber and the compression chamber and includes a fixing surface facing the discharge chamber. The partition wall includes a discharge port that communicates the discharge chamber and the compression chamber. The discharge reed valve includes a fixed portion, an intermediate portion, and a valve portion. The fixing surface includes a first groove portion, which extends around the discharge port, and a valve seat surface, which is arranged between the discharge port and the first groove portion. The first groove portion extends to a range overlapped with the intermediate portion. A part of the valve portion at a distal side does not close the first groove portion. The valve seat surface includes a receiving portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Takahiro Moroi, Masakazu Obayashi, Naofumi Kimura, Fumitaka Yoshizumi, Masakatsu Kuroishi, Yasuhiro Kondoh, Kazunori Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8347911
    Abstract: A vacuum relief valve is provided. The vacuum relief valve includes a body having a side wall, and a stem that is movable with respect to the body between an open position and a closed position. The stem is biased in the closed position. The vacuum relief valve further includes a first sight glass coupled to the body and configured to enable visual inspection of a sealing area of the vacuum relief valve. The sealing area includes at least a portion of said stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: American Railcar Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore Arthur Stocker, Jr., Christopher Andrew Edmonds
  • Patent number: 8312891
    Abstract: A gas pressure sensor assembly for a gas regulator includes a plurality of selectable inlets, an outlet and a gauge. Each inlet receives pressurized gas from a different one of a plurality of pressurized gas storage containers. The outlet supplies gas to an appliance. The gauge senses a selected gas pressure in an inlet corresponding to the selected gas storage container and visually indicates a pressure of that gas storage container. The gas pressure sensor assembly includes a cooperating member at least partially housed within the gauge, a disc member rotatably responsive to a gas pressure and an sensing device. The sensing device is releasably connected to the gauge, is selectively actuated by movement of the disc member and is configured to provide an audible signal indicative of a generally empty status of the gas storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Cavagna Group
    Inventor: Savio Cavagna
  • Patent number: 8151823
    Abstract: A fluid power valve arrangement with at least one solenoid valve whose solenoid is connected or able to be connected via only two control lines with an electrical control and/or communication device. The solenoid valve has integrated in it a non-volatile storage device containing identification data of the solenoid valve, and furthermore a modulator for modulation of data of the solenoid valve in the two supply lines. The control and/or communication device possesses a demodulator for demodulation of the modulated data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Gehrke, Helmut Deichert
  • Publication number: 20120080104
    Abstract: A diagnostic mechanism includes: a flow rate control part configured to control an opening degree of a flow rate control valve provided in a flow passage so that a measurement flow rate value outputted from a flow rate sensor becomes a target flow rate value; an inspection value output part configured to output an inspection value related to a time integral of the measurement flow rate value in a diagnostic period which is defined in correspondence with a part of a period from a time point of closing the flow passage upstream of the flow rate sensor to a time point of expiration of a state that the measurement flow rate value and the target flow rate value are substantially nearly equal; and a diagnosing part configured to compare the inspection value and a predetermined specified value to diagnose whether an abnormality relating to the flow rate sensor is present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: HORIBA STEC, CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuji Yamaguchi, Masao Yamaguchi, Kentaro Nagai, Toshiyuki Himi
  • Patent number: 8141583
    Abstract: A controller for controlling a valve is disclosed including a manifold assembly, a valve position indicator and a trigger assembly. An operating media distribution system is disposed in the manifold assembly and an electronic control unit is disposed in the controller. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system to activate an actuator which opens or closes the valve. The trigger assembly includes a cylinder adapted to receive an actuator shaft and provide a self setting mechanism corresponding to the stroke length of the actuator shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Westlock Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Leo Minervini, Eric Jordan, Robert Endres
  • Publication number: 20120000301
    Abstract: An apparatus, a method of servicing, and a method of measuring a process parameter for a coating process having an isolatable viewport are disclosed. The apparatus includes a viewport, a device positioned for selectively isolating the viewport from a process chamber, and a second chamber positioned between the viewport and the device. The device includes a first position to selectively isolate the viewport from a process chamber and to selectively maintain a predetermined process pressure in the process chamber, the device includes a second position to selectively permit line of sight measurement of the process chamber from the viewport, and the second chamber maintains the predetermined process pressure in the process chamber when the device is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: PRIMESTAR SOLAR
    Inventors: Edwin Jackson LITTLE, Mark J. PAVOL
  • Publication number: 20110240134
    Abstract: A flow cell device for observing a fluid includes a housing defining an inlet and an outlet, a first viewing member, and a second viewing member. The first viewing member, which is disposed in and coupled to the housing, includes a first window and a spray ring. The spray ring includes cleaning ports in fluid communication with a cleaning fluid inlet port. The second viewing member includes a second window and is disposed in and coupled to the housing opposite the first viewing member such that an aperture that is in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet is defined between the first window and the second window. The spray ring does not extend past a surface of the first window facing the aperture and each of the cleaning ports is oriented such that a fluid provided under pressure to the cleaning ports is ejected toward the second window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: J.M. Canty , Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. O'Brien, Thomas M. Canty
  • Patent number: 8000936
    Abstract: A data analysis program operable for displaying at least one representation of a buried pipeline in a geographical area and associated on-pipe current values at various locations along the pipeline. The data analysis program is storable in a memory device and executable by a processor to generate a display on a display device. The data analysis program includes instructions for displaying a digital map representing at least a portion of the buried pipeline extending across the geographical area being surveyed. The program further includes instructions for displaying a current plot of current values associated with the various locations in the geographical area, and instructions for displaying a table having a plurality of fields including the leakage current values and associated geographical coordinates where the current values were measured in the geographical area being surveyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Thomas James Davis
  • Patent number: 7981279
    Abstract: An oil filter assembly has a bypass valve and a cover formed with an orifice. In order to provide a simple contamination indicator for the oil filter, there is provided a deflection device that deflects an oil jet emerging through the orifice when the bypass valve is open on the outside of the cover. The oil jet can thus be deflected into a region observable through a filling orifice. A contaminated oil filter can therefore be reliably detected on occasion of a quick visual check, by observing the deflected oil jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Thomas Pabst
  • Publication number: 20110097900
    Abstract: A five-sided quartz window configured to be mounted on a degas chamber as a UV-transmissive window. The quartz window is made of synthetic quartz and has a uniform thickness. The shape of the quartz window is defined by an upper surface, a lower surface and a sidewall therebetween. The sidewall has five straight sections interconnected by five arcuate sections. The quartz window has four arcuate recesses extending into the sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Jason Augustino, Tim Hart
  • Publication number: 20110048556
    Abstract: Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to calibrate valve-mounted instruments, such as a position controllers and/or a position transmitter, are described. A disclosed example apparatus to calibrate a valve assembly including a valve, an actuator and a position sensor includes an interface to receive a valve position value and to receive a position sensor sensitivity value, and an endpoint estimator to compute a first estimated value corresponding to an expected fully-open position of the valve based on the position sensor signal and the first and second values, and to compute a second estimated value corresponding to an expected fully-closed position of the valve based on the position sensor signal and the first and second received values, wherein the first and second estimated values are computed without repositioning the valve between computation of the first and second estimated values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Perry K. Carter, Stephen G. Seberger
  • Patent number: 7896027
    Abstract: A poppet valve assembly is provided for use on a fuel tanker truck which enables the truck's driver to determine whether fuel is flowing through the valve assembly and whether fuel is present in the valve assembly. The valve assembly has a two part housing, one of the parts having a sight glass secured therein. The sight glass is visible through cutouts in the housing. When the poppet valve is opened, fluid flows through a flow channel in the valve assembly. The fluid, being different colors, may be easily seen through the sight glass from a distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Dixon Valve and Coupling Company
    Inventor: Richard L. Fahl
  • Patent number: 7823606
    Abstract: A device for adjusting and throttling the flow-rate of a fluid, particularly medical oxygen and compressed gases in general, which comprises a valve body which defines an input port and an output port for a fluid at high pressure; the input port is controlled by a high-pressure flow control element; an input duct is also provided for a low-pressure fluid which is connected to a rotating body with a control port which can be arranged at the calibrated holes provided in an adjustment disk and connected to at least one output duct; a single actuation handwheel is further provided which drives the high-pressure flow control element and the rotating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Pergola S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Nicolini
  • Patent number: 7823397
    Abstract: A method for detecting a clogged state of a pipe of a heat pump type multi-air conditioner includes: detecting a temperature of a pipe of an arbitrary indoor heat exchanger among a plurality of indoor heat exchangers; detecting a pressure of a refrigerant sucked into an arbitrary outdoor unit among a plurality of outdoor units in case of performing an air-conditioning operation, and detecting a pressure of a refrigerant introduced into the arbitrary indoor heat exchanger after being discharged from an arbitrary outdoor unit among the plurality of outdoor units in case of performing a heating operation; and comparing a pressure corresponding to the detected temperature of the pipe and the detected pressure of the refrigerant and determining whether the pipe is clogged based on the comparison result. By detecting a clogged state of a pipe, the heat pump type multi-air conditioner is prevented from being damaged due to a clogged state of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Se-Dong Chang, Sung-Hwan Kim, Yoon-Been Lee, Baik-Young Chung
  • Patent number: 7819133
    Abstract: A controller for controlling a valve is disclosed including a manifold assembly, a valve position indicator and a trigger assembly. An operating media distribution system is disposed in the manifold assembly and an electronic control unit is disposed in the controller. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system to activate an actuator which opens or closes the valve. The trigger assembly includes a cylinder adapted to receive an actuator shaft and provide a self setting mechanism corresponding to the stroke length of the actuator shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Westlock Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Leo Minervini, Eric Jordan, Robert Endres
  • Patent number: 7779861
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the flow-rate of a fluid, particularly medical oxygen and compressed gases in general, which comprises a valve body which defines an input duct for a low-pressure fluid which is connected to a rotary flow control element, which has an output port which can be arranged at the calibrated holes of a flow-rate adjustment disk; the calibrated holes are connected to an output duct; an actuation handwheel is also provided which is functionally associated with the rotary flow control element; the actuation handwheel comprises means for positioning the flow control element so that the output port is arranged at at least one of the calibrated holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Pergola S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Nicolini
  • Patent number: 7644725
    Abstract: The object is to provide a mixing valve and a mixing device which can more easily control the flow rates of one fluid and another fluid or fluids in comparison with a conventional mixing valve. In a mixing valve 10A in which a main passage 13 through which one fluid f1 passes and at least one subsidiary passage 14 (14A, 14B) through which the other fluids f2, f3 pass are connected via opening/closing valve portions 20A, 20B to open/close communicating openings 18A, 18B, pressure sensors 31, 32, 33 (34) are disposed in the main passage and the subsidiary passages, respectively, to detect the pressures of the fluids passing through the main passage and the subsidiary passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Advance Electric Japan Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hironori Matsuzawa, Nobuyuki Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 7604017
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water ingress detection system (1) suitable for use in indicating the ingress of water (12) onto a pipe (2) or vessel inside a casing (3), from outside. The system (1) comprises a deflector (4) secured to the underside (7) of the pipe (2) inside the casing (3) provided thereon, a conduit (8) coupled to the deflector (4) for leading water (12) away from the pipe (2) to a water-sensing indicator device (13). The indicator device (13) has a signal output portion (17) disposed externally of the casing (3) for signalling the presence of water (11). The deflector (4) is formed and arranged for intercepting water (12) running along the exterior (7) of the pipe (2) inside the casing (3) and diverting it into the conduit (8), and the conduit (8) and water-sensing indicator device (13) are formed and arranged so that the indicator device (13) can sense substantially only water (12) intercepted by the deflector (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Leonard O'Hara
  • Patent number: 7591278
    Abstract: Apparatus incorporating a water trap allows vent air to flow into a sewer system under low pressure differential conditions and allows gaseous emissions from the sewer system to exit the vent pipe only under greater differential pressure conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: David Kozlowski
  • Publication number: 20090229686
    Abstract: A poppet valve assembly is provided for use on a fuel tanker truck which enables the truck's driver to determine whether fuel is flowing through the valve assembly and whether fuel is present in the valve assembly. The valve assembly has a two part housing, one of the parts having a sight glass secured therein. The sight glass is visible through cutouts in the housing. When the poppet valve is opened, fluid flows through a flow channel in the valve assembly. The fluid, being different colors, may be easily seen through the sight glass from a distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: DIXON VALVE AND COUPLING COMPANY
    Inventor: Richard L. Fahl
  • Publication number: 20090223578
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of monitoring particulates may include one or more of the following steps: (a) receiving the particulates in a particulate flow restrictor, (b) collecting a particulate sample in a body section of the flow restrictor, (c) sensing moisture content of the particulate with a flush mounted capacitive sensor, (d) allowing the particulate to empty out of the flow restrictor through a narrowed opening in a discharge section of the flow restrictor, (e) concentrating the particulate sample at a sensor surface, (f) shielding the sensor from stray electric fields, and (g) inputting the particulate at the funnel opening of the flow restrictor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Joel Gulbranson
  • Publication number: 20090205440
    Abstract: A device for indicating and regulating the flow volume in a fluid circuit of a heating or cooling system is provided. The device includes a housing having a lower valve part, a conical bore, and a sealing seat. The device further includes an indicating element having a hollow-cylindrical inspection glass with a closed end, an open end, an indicator plunger axially movable therein and stressed by means of a spring. A regulating cone is attached to the open end of the inspection glass, whereby the free end of the indicator plunger is guided through the regulating cone and bears a flow body immersed in the conical bore. Also, the regulating cone has slots distributed at the periphery and extending to the indicator plunger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: WATTS INDUSTRIES DEUTSCHLAND GESELLSCHAFT MIT BESCHRAENKTER HAFTUNG
    Inventor: Fritz SPIESS
  • Publication number: 20090116000
    Abstract: A fiber optic shape determination system having at least one optical fiber for placement within or along an elongated structure. The optical fiber defines an optical path for conveying an optical signal. The optical path manifests an interaction with the optical signal wherein the interaction occurs in a continuous fashion during the propagation of the optical signal along the optical path and produces a measurable response, the response conveying information about strain imparted to the optical fiber and a location along the optical fiber at which the strain occurs. The shape determination system also has a measurement component coupled to the optical fiber to sense the response and for determining the strain applied at different locations along the fiber and for deriving a shape of optic fiber, accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: JASON KIDDY, Chris Baldwin, John Niemczuk
  • Patent number: 7524364
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining the condition of a pneumatic system air dryer are provided. An output of the pneumatic valve or of a conduit interconnected to the outlet of the pneumatic valve is positioned such that a discharge passed through the pneumatic valve while the valve is open is in view of an operator and/or is directed to a moisture sensor. Moreover, the discharge and/or an output device interconnected to the moisture sensor is in view of the operator while the operator is in a position to operate the pneumatic valve. An observation volume with a sight glass or window and/or a moisture sensor can be provided to facilitate the observation or detection of moisture or oil in the discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventor: James R. Burke
  • Patent number: 7499761
    Abstract: A variable function voting solenoid-operated valve apparatus is provide, wherein the apparatus includes a first solenoid-operated valve, a second solenoid-operated valve and a bypass valve disposed in mutual fluid communication, wherein one or more of said first solenoid-operated valve, said second solenoid-operated valve and said bypass valve further comprises one or more air-to-move valve actuators; an air supply for delivering a supply of compressed air to said one or more air-to-move valve actuators; a plurality of pressure sensors, including a first pressure sensor disposed in fluid communication with said first solenoid-operated valve, a second pressure sensor in fluid communication with said second solenoid-operated valve, and a third pressure sensor disposed in fluid communication with said bypass valve; and an exhaust vent for venting pressure accumulated within one or more of said first solenoid-operated valve, said second solenoid-operated valve and said bypass valve to an external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Sis-Tech Applications, L.P.
    Inventors: Bryan Zachary, Angela Summers
  • Patent number: 7487794
    Abstract: Liquefied petroleum gas is widely used in leisure time activities. Here, as liquefied petroleum gas is highly inflammable, it is important to have an indicator (19) that quickly determines whether there is leakage. The present invention relates to a new leak indicator (19) that, when an easily operated button (20) is pushed downwards into a cavity (8), indicates whether or not there is leakage. The space confined in the cavity (8) is completely closed off when the appertaining liquefied petroleum gas system is in normal operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Sundquist Metall AB
    Inventor: Morgan Gustafsson
  • Publication number: 20090020161
    Abstract: A voting solenoid system and method is configured to selectively apply fluid pressure above and below a threshold value, to a fluid node. The voting solenoid arrangement includes first and second solenoid valve pairs, each pair including first and second solenoid valves. The valve pairs are located in parallel fluid communication with a fluid pressure source, each of the first and second solenoid valves being alternately actuatable between energized and de-energized states. The solenoid arrangement is configured so that a change of state of the first and second valves of either of the valve pairs alternately applies fluid pressure above and below the threshold value, to the fluid node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: James L. Jacoby, W. Brian Piercy
  • Publication number: 20090000666
    Abstract: An anchor valve for security is disclosed. The anchor valve includes a check valve with a flapper for preventing a contaminant from entering the fluid supply system. Contaminants that are outboard of the anchor valve are unable to pass by and are expelled when the fluid supply valve is opened. The anchor valve may include an access cover for maintenance and inspection of the flapper and the check valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventor: Nicholaus J. Peyton
  • Patent number: 7469717
    Abstract: A fail-safe shutter (13) for a “cross-stack” monitor, comprises a body member (14) having an aperture (1) through which, in use, an associated monitoring instrument is adapted to sight. A gate (3) is movable between a retracted, open position in which the aperture (1) is exposed, and a closed position in which the aperture (1) is closed-off by a portion of the gate (3), and means are provided to bias the gate (3) towards its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Land Instruments International Ltd.
    Inventor: David E. Leadley
  • Patent number: 7469716
    Abstract: What is provided is a flow shut-off element, particularly for use in the medical field of peritoneal dialysis, consisting of a valve body (2) having an inner cavity (3) and a plurality of accesses (4, 5, 6); a selector having a projecting portion inserted into the inner cavity of the valve body and movable relatively to the latter into a predetermined number of operating positions to create predetermined paths in which the fluid flow is permitted and/or shut off between the said accesses. Also provided is an auxiliary element interposed in a removable way between the valve body and the selector, this element having positioning means to enable an operator to determine when one of the said predetermined operating positions of the selector has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Andrea Parrino, Cesare Bulgarelli
  • Patent number: 7461670
    Abstract: A cycle indicator is provided for monitoring movement of a fluid control piston of a divider block for a fluid distribution system. The cycle indicator connects to the divider block in a manner that allows fluid communication between the divider block and the cycle indicator. The cycle indicator includes a spring-biased piston follower that extends into the divider block through a housing so that movement of the fluid control piston is translated to the piston follower. The piston follower extends into the divider block through an opening in the housing. The opening is not sealed allowing fluid within the divider block cylinder to flow past the piston follower and into the housing. Since there is no relative movement between the seal and any moving part such as the piston follower fluid leakage is eliminated or at least substantially reduced. An internal magnet is coupled to the piston follower and activates an external magnet that provides a visual indication of the movement of the fluid control piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Inventor: Curtis Roys
  • Publication number: 20080236846
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a stationary fire fighting system for retrofitting into a structure. The system can include a flowmeter in fluid communication with a water line in the structure. The flowmeter can generate a flow rate signal. The system can include a controller connected to the flowmeter and a proportioner pump connected to the controller. The system can include an additive supply tank in fluid communication with the proportioner pump. The controller can operate the proportioner pump based on the flow rate signal to provide additive from the additive supply tank to the water line to create a solution. The system can include at least one sprinkler head to distribute the solution within the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Jonathan Gamble, William Ballantyne
  • Publication number: 20080135109
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flow in a flowline under pressure, said apparatus comprising a flow passage having a firs end and a second end, and hindering means for reducing the flow in the flow passage, the hindering means being arranged to move between a first and a second position under influence of a pressure difference between the first end and the second end of the flow passage. The reduction of the flow in the flow passage is larger when the hindering means is in the first and second position than when the hindering means is in an intermediate position between said first and second positions. Hereby an improved safety valve, which is adapted to shut off flow in a flow line in two directions, is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Adam Bonne, John F. Lehd
  • Patent number: 7322423
    Abstract: A fire protection system comprises a supply pipe having a first fluid pressurized to a first pressure and a network of pipes having a plurality of sprinklers. The network of pipes have a second fluid being pressurized to a second pressure at approximately 5.5 times the first pressure. The system further comprises a dry pipe valve including a body defining a passage extending along a longitudinal axis between an inlet coupled to the supply pipe and an outlet coupled to the network of pipes. The inlet has an inlet diameter of approximately WD inches and a seat disposed in the body has a seating surface with a diameter AD approximately less than two times WD inches. The dry pipe valve further includes a clapper pivotable about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis between a first position occluding the passage when the ratio of the second pressure to the first pressure is at least 5.5 and a second position permitting fluid flow through the passage when the ratio is less than 5.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Grinnell LLC
    Inventor: Yoram Ringer
  • 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: 7229233
    Abstract: A double walled riser sump has an annular space between the two walls. The provision of the annular space provides for monitoring the integrity of the two walls of the sump. The two walls of the sump are preferably separated by a thin film or a distance fabric that allows the passage of fluids, and preferably liquids. The annular space may be in fluid communication with a reservoir holding a monitoring fluid and positioned near the top of the sump to be easily accessible. In some embodiments, a top of the riser sump is also double walled and the top annular space is in fluid communication with the annular space between the vertical walls. If a leak develops in either wall of the sump, a corresponding drop in the fluid level of the reservoir will occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Xerxes Corporation
    Inventors: John Burwell, Michael G. Zais, Roberto Sanchez
  • Patent number: 7124775
    Abstract: A micro pump device with liquid tank comprises a liquid tank being made of transparent material; and a micro pump having an inlet positioned in center of the liquid tank and the micro pump locating the side of said liquid tank. And, the liquid tank further includes a first inlet, a second inlet and a vent hole. The pump device provides a cooling system for micro electric device and a liquid tank could provide a closed tank of cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventor: Neng-Chao Chang
  • Patent number: 7121299
    Abstract: The valve includes an intake duct (13) for conveying water into the valve, an externally projecting tubular body (20) of a transparent with an internal cavity (21) and a flow indicator rod (40), slidable inside the valve, with a lower portion in the intake duct (13) and an upper indicator portion in the internal cavity (21) of the transparent body (20). The upper, indicator portion has a first upper area (46) able to indicate no water is flowing and a second, lower area (47) able to indicate that water is flowing through the intake duct (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Onda Engineering System S.r.l.
    Inventor: Carlo Lumello