Inspection Means Patents (Class 137/559)
  • 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: 7036524
    Abstract: A sewage draining system for a recreational vehicle. A flexible drainage hose extends from the distal end of sewage pipe on an RV, and a rigid sleeve carries the drainage hose in a first stowed position in which the hose is fully contained in the sleeve and in a second drainage position. The sleeve is pivotably connected at one end near the distal end of the sewer pipe so that it can swing outwardly from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: James Kennedy
  • 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: 7032611
    Abstract: A pressure regulating device for connecting a pressure source to an inflatable object comprises: a hollow casing; a valve system positioned inside the hollow casing; a fluid inlet connected to the valve system; a fluid outlet; a fluid conduit positioned inside the hollow casing between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; a pressure-sensing structure attached to the conduit and being movable inside the hollow casing and attached to the pressure sensing structure; a pressure-generating structure disposed inside the hollow casing and attached to the pressure-sensing structure. The pressure-generating structure can exert a bias force upon the pressure-sensing structure in proportion to a desired pressure in the inflatable object. The pressure regulator can inflate the object when the initial pressure inside the inflatable object is lower than the desired pressure and automatically terminates inflation when the pressure inside the object reaches the desired pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Xiayang Sheng
  • Patent number: 6997200
    Abstract: The invention recirculates and/or recycles fluids normally lost down the drain during the time it takes for a desired temperature to be attained for usage of the hot fluids. A recirculating/recycling valve, through which hot fluids may flow, has an additional port fitted to the valve body, which by positioning the handle in a singularly unique position, fluids not at the desired temperature are sent back to the source from which they came, to a recycling toilet tank system or to a recycling standpipe at atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Nelson J. King
  • Patent number: 6988510
    Abstract: A free floating disc check valve is provided by the present application. The check valve includes a seal disc having an integral truncated torroidal shaped portion. The torroidal shaped portion provides structural rigidity to the seal disc to minimize deflection of the disc under higher differential fluid pressures. The torroidal shaped portion of the disc cooperates with finger-shaped projections inside the valve body to limit lateral displacement of the disc relative to the axial flow of the fluid. The torroidal shaped portion and the flat portion of the disc form a cup shape that creates a hydrodynamic force that assists in moving the disc to an opened or closed position. The seal disc is made of an elastomeric material that is coated with a dry film lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Halkey-Roberts Corporation
    Inventor: Jon R. Enerson
  • Patent number: 6981522
    Abstract: Microfluidic devices having a plurality of functional features for performing one or more fluidic operations in parallel are provided. Reagents, samples or other fluids common to multiple functional features (“common fluids”) may be input into a microfluidic device or system through one or more distributing inputs that divide and distribute the common fluids as desired. The use of a multi-layer fabrication technique allows multiple distributing inputs to distribute to multiple functional features in a microfluidic device without undesirable fluid channel intersections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D. O'Connor, Christoph D. Karp, Eugene Dantsker
  • Patent number: 6978661
    Abstract: A vacuum generator that is coupled to a double-walled fuel supply piping internal to a fuel dispenser that carries the fuel from the underground storage tank to the hose and nozzle of the fuel dispenser. The double-walled fuel supply piping contains an inner piping that carries the fuel. An interstitial space is formed by the space between the inner piping and an outer piping that surrounds the inner piping to capture any leaked fuel from the inner piping. The interstitial space is coupled to a vacuum created by the vacuum generator to determine if a leak exists in the interstitial space. The vacuum generator may be a standalone unit or may be a submersible turbine pump that also pumps fuel from the underground storage tank to the fuel dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Ray J. Hutchinson, Donald D. Halla, Richard G. Dolson, Robert P. Hart, Richard K. Lucas, Kent D. Reid
  • Patent number: 6971401
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a cylindrical body that is formed from soft and resilient material and has a smooth outer surface provided with surface indicia coated thereon that has a fluorescent color for drawing attention thereto. The body further has a bore formed therein that extends through the length thereof and has an open and a closed end portion. An aperture is formed in the body that penetrates the body and terminates laterally of the bore. A sleeve formed from rigid material is nested within the bore, confronts an interior surface of the body and spans between the open and closed end portions of the body. A tether is included that has opposed end portions connected to the body and the valve assembly. The tether is attached proximate to one end portion of the body such that the apparatus can be detached while the tether remains engaged with the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Samuel B. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 6966536
    Abstract: A flush valve device 20 of a flush toilet includes a flush valve body 22 connected to a city water source and an operation unit 50. The operation unit 50 has an operation button 63 and a flexible inner cable 71, which is part of a cable mechanism 70. The inner cable 71 is extended from a rear side to a lateral side of a toilet body 12 and is linked with the operation button 63. In response to a press of the operation button 63, the flush valve body 22 opens to make a supply of washing water flown into the toilet body 12. This arrangement desirably increases the degree of freedom in positioning of the flush valve body and the operation unit, enhances the operability of the flush valve device 20, and effectively facilitates installation of the flush valve device 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Enomoto, Jyunichi Tani, Katsuhiko Nagano, Akihiko Koba
  • 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: 6959611
    Abstract: A flow meter, particularly for warm water heating systems, includes a measuring element and an indicator element. The indicator element has a basic component with a cylindrical attachment extending into the collector pipe. An indicator rod with a rebounding plate extends into the measuring element and vertically slidable. According to the invention, a filter is installed ahead of the rebounding plate in the flow direction of the heating medium. Where the basic component extends to a cylindrical attachment affecting the flow against the rebounding plate, it is suitable to provide a number of slits in the cylindrical external wall of the lower portion of the attachment, the slits being distributed around the perimeter parallel to the axis. In this manner, dirt particles, which could impair the function of the indicator, are virtually filtered out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Watts Industries Deutschland
    Inventor: Ulrich Schehl
  • Patent number: 6935361
    Abstract: A pipe, piping system, kit, and radiant heating system that include lengths of cross-linked polyethylene pipe, which form connections between flow components. Some embodiments utilize a sheath disposed about the outside of the cross-linked polyethylene pipe to enhance rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventor: John W. Rocheleau
  • Patent number: 6932099
    Abstract: An improved landscape watering system is provided that simplifies the installation and maintenance of multiple underground water control valves, that permits the on-site configuration of valve-electrical boxes, that limits egress of insects and other living creatures into a valve-electrical boxes, and that facilitates labeling of a valve-electrical box. The box includes configurable, sealable openings and a water permeable bottom that prevents egress of insects and other living creatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Mark B. Mahaney
  • 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: 6886577
    Abstract: A colored ring immovably associated with an inlet of an underground tank to enhance the identification of the material in the underground tank. The ring can be bolted to the inlet or engaged with adhesive to the inlet. The ring can be formed as a substantially continuous ring or a plurality of ring members. The ring can be partially positionable in the ground or can be fully disposed above ground. The ring can include a colored surface or can be uniformly colored. The ring can be used in combination with a colored lid such as the color of the lid and the color of the ring are substantially similar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: EBW, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Phillips, Elmer P. Klop
  • Patent number: 6886594
    Abstract: The invention relates to on-off valve, particularly for insulation by-pass of exhaust gas expansion turbines of catalytic cracking plants, of the type comprising a hollow valve body, an opening for the inlet of the gas into the valve, an opening for the outlet of the gas from the valve, at least a shutter and the relevant at least one seat, the valve being characterized in that it comprises a conduit coupled to the inlet opening and a conduit coupled to the outlet opening, the at least one seat being coupled to the inlet conduit or to the outlet conduit and the at least one shutter having a cover shape and sealing engaging with the seat by a rotatory motion transmitted to the shutter by an actuator by a drive shaft and a drive arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Remosa S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luca Mambrini
  • Patent number: 6862914
    Abstract: A variable function voting solenoid-operated valve apparatus is provided having both high safety availability and high plant reliability that does not require a plant system to be bypassed during testing. Also provided is a variable function voting solenoid-operated valve apparatus wherein initiation of a safety action will occur only if each of a pair of operatively associated solenoid-operated valves in the apparatus are actuated, and wherein either of the solenoid valves can singly default to a pre-designated safety action without inadvertently actuating the process valve and isolating or venting the process fluid. Also provided is a variable function voting solenoid-operated valve apparatus wherein either a “1 out of 1 with hot stand-by” operational mode or a “2 out of 2 with high diagnostics” operational mode may be selected by an operator using a logic control system depending on the technical requirements of a given plant environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventors: Bryan A. Zachary, Angela E. Summers
  • Publication number: 20040250859
    Abstract: A pneumatic control system including at least one flow control line having a connecting line connectable to a fluid line of a pneumatically operated machine, a vacuum line connectable to a vacuum source, a vacuum valve controlling flow between the connecting line and the vacuum line, a pressure line connectable to a source of fluid under pressure, and a pressure valve controlling flow between the connecting line and the pressure line. A pressure manifold defines the pressure line and a first portion of the connection line, and supports the pressure valve, and a vacuum manifold defines the vacuum line and a second portion of the connecting line, and supports the vacuum valve. The vacuum manifold is adapted for replacement independently of the pressure manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: James M. Poulin, William Clark
  • Patent number: 6810910
    Abstract: A valve and valve arrangement for a fire suppression system includes a remotely controlled valve such as a solenoid valve which is electrically controlled to provide a preselected flow through the remotely controlled valve corresponding to the flow through a single sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: AGF Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: George J. McHugh
  • Patent number: 6810963
    Abstract: A differential-type dry pipe valve for a fire protection sprinkler system has a ratio of effective air sealing area to service water sealing area that is smaller than a ratio of service water pressure to system air pressure at which the fire protection sprinkler system is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Grinnell Corporation
    Inventor: Yoram Ringer
  • Publication number: 20040149339
    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 centre 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: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Neng-Chao Chang
  • Patent number: 6732757
    Abstract: An improved water-treatment canister configuration of the chemical-dispensing bypass type, employing a screw-cap for periodic replenishment of an active chemical-feed ingredient; —featuring a special EZ-PURGE™ push-button bleed-valve device, enabling more convenient means by which to quickly and reliably release air otherwise remaining debilitatingly-captive within the canister upon replacement of the screw-cap during routine-maintance. An collar like security/cap-lock device employing a conventional padlock, serves as an antitamper-device, while an “Emergency Service”—label is also included, whereby an inexperienced person can simply deactivate the metering-system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Roger A. Benham
  • Publication number: 20040050144
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting, locating, and quantifying contamination in a fluid flow system like a pipe or duct. This characterization technique uses a conservative and one or more interactive tracers that are injected into the fluid flow system and then monitored at another location in the system. Detection, location, and quantification are accomplished by analysis of the characteristic features of measured curves of tracer concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Wesley L. Bratton, Joseph W. Maresca
  • Patent number: 6691737
    Abstract: A hand drive for shut-off members is described, for example for membrane valves, the hand drive comprises a hand wheel for actuating the valve which is provided with a closure limiter and a valve lift limiter, the hand wheel is provided with two inserts mounted thereon for axial adjustability; and wherein the inserts interact with a threaded spindle coupled with a valve element so as to adjust the valve lift limiter and the closure limiter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Gemü Gebrüder Müller Apparatebau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Fritz Muller, Gregor Gaida
  • Patent number: 6681802
    Abstract: A valve arrangement for use in a fire suppression sprinkler system includes a valve member for controlling the flow of a fluid. The valve member has a housing having an inlet and an outlet. The valve member defines a first configuration selectively permitting an unrestricted flow from the inlet to the outlet, and a second configuration selectively permitting a restricted flow from the inlet to the outlet. The valve member includes a first ball member and a second ball member disposed within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: AGF Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: George J. McHugh
  • 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: 6679291
    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. When a threshold flow rate through the valve assembly is reached, fluid flows inside a flow channel. The flow channel has a fluid indicator and a flow indicator therein mounted in a sight glass. When fluid is flowing in the flow channel both indicators rise. When fluid is present but not flowing in the flow channel only the fluid indicator rises. The fluid and flow indicators, being different colors, may be easily seen at a distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Exxon.Valve and Coupling Company
    Inventors: Richard L. Fahl, John T. Hill
  • Patent number: 6668858
    Abstract: A check valve is provided having a valve body and a sealing assembly within the valve body. The sealing assembly is biased, via a biasing force, in a seated position against a valve seat adjacent or surrounding an inlet port of the valve body. The sealing assembly includes an armature that has a proximal end and a distal end, and a sealing member that is pivotally attached to the distal end of the armature at a seal pivot joint. The proximal end of the armature is pivotally attached to the inner wall surface of the valve body at a wall pivot joint. Thus, the armature is a dual-hinged armature, providing at least two degrees of freedom, one translational and one rotational, for the sealing member to be properly seated against the valve seat. Effective sealing is thus achieved despite potentially imperfect alignment between the valve seat and the sealing assembly, and also despite a non-perfectly smooth valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Pentair Pool Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Afshin Bazargan
  • Patent number: 6629621
    Abstract: A gauge hatch is provided that has a cover structure that incorporates a pallet/diaphragm combination and that is cooperatively associated with a pressure responsive liquid seal subassembly. The gauge hatch also incorporates a vent neck and a radially adjacent wall that defines with the vent neck a circumferentially extending reservoir. An exterior preferably radially extending arm permits the cover structure to be opened and inclined at an angle relative to the vent neck. Optionally, the cover may be kept in a closed position. The diaphragm normally seats upon the vent neck. A sealing liquid in the reservoir has a closed chamber over the reservoir liquid. When the arm is not held in a cover closed position, and up until a set vent neck pressure is reached, the liquid seal subassembly eliminates low level fugitive vapor emissions escaping from the diaphragm/seat region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: The Protectoseal Company
    Inventors: Thomas C. Piotrowski, Martin Clift, Baohai Liu
  • Patent number: 6615866
    Abstract: A hydraulic power assembly (10) includes an electric motor (30) disposed on a removable top (26) outside a tank (12) defining a chamber (25). A first pump (32) depends from the removable top (26) and into the chamber (25) and includes a first inlet (34) and a first outlet (35) to deliver fluid to a fluid line (36) and a fluid distribution manifold (38) disposed on the removable top (26). A leakage line (52) extends from the pump (32) and through the removable top (26) and back through the removable top (26) and drains into the chamber (25) for determining if the pump (32) is operating efficiently. A heat exchanger (78) is adjacent the motor (30) for cooling the hydraulic fluid as it is returned into the chamber (25) thereby cooling the fluid in the chamber (25). The tank (12) also includes a liner (74) for reducing the noise of the pump (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Morrell Incorporated
    Inventor: James Edward Cook
  • Patent number: 6588441
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining direction of flow in a fluid or pneumatic system. The apparatus comprises first and second conduits having clear portions, the first and second conduits being capable of determining fluid flow direction in the system by observing fluid through their clear portions. The apparatus further comprises a valve assembly connecting the first conduit to the second conduit, the valve assembly including a shut-off valve. The valve assembly can comprise a release valve for releasing fluid from the valve assembly, and a release mechanism for opening the release valve. The system may include a transmission system and a fluid circuit with a first port and a second port, a transmission service system being connected to the first port and the second port of the fluid circuit according to the direction of fluid flow determined by the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Motorvac Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Rome, Bill Kavadeles
  • Patent number: 6546956
    Abstract: An opaque container fluid indicator is constructed to include a mount fixedly fastened to the spout of an opaque fluid container, a bladder holder supported on the mount to hold an elastic transparent bladder, and two suction tubes respectively fastened to two bottom through holes of the bladder holder and suspended in the opaque fluid container to suck fluid into the bladder. Air passes through the suction tubes to force fluid out of the bladder when the level of fluid in the opaque fluid container drops below a predetermined low level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Yuan-Song Lai
  • Patent number: 6513787
    Abstract: The fluid supply apparatus supplies and controls one or more fluids while adjusting/controlling one or more continuously parameters; and includes an outlet, at least one control valve and a touchless user control interface. For example a faucet has sensors mounted thereon to control water flow (6) and temperature (16, 17). For example a user hand in field (16) will increase temperature over time and decrease in field (17). The on/off sensor field may include the water stream, a bi-colour light emitting diode indicates temperature, temperature feedback means maintains the desired temperature, a battery or super capacitor allows operation or fluid shut off if power fails, an anti-tamper feature requires the fluid to be shut off if more than one sensor is covered and a time prevents waster wastage. The hygienic touchless interface may be in a tile or flat plate. Other applications may include panel mounted fluid control systems for controlling a plurality of fluid types and associated parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: American Standard International Inc.
    Inventors: Peter James Jeromson, Jamie Jon Aorangi Wilkinson, Peter Stephen Barnes, Giscard Hubertus Theodoor Rutten, Harold Edgar Forrest
  • Publication number: 20020195148
    Abstract: A hand drive for shut-off members is described, for example for membrane valves, the hand drive comprises a hand wheel for actuating the valve which is provided with a closure limiter and a valve lift limiter, the hand wheel is provided with two inserts mounted thereon for axial adjustability; and wherein the inserts interact with a threaded spindle coupled with a valve element so as to adjust the valve lift limiter and the closure limiter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: GEMU Gebruder Muller Apparatebau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Fritz Muller, Gregor Gaida
  • Patent number: 6491056
    Abstract: A combined alarm test and drain device for a fire protection sprinkler system is disclosed. The apparatus is based on a globe valve and has certain specific modifications for the purposes of draining the system and allowing for flow through a specifically sized orifice under conditions simulating the flow through a sprinkler head having the same orifice size. Fluid flow through the apparatus occurs alternatively under a first set of conditions in a system alarm test mode of operation of the apparatus, and under a second set of conditions in a system fluid drainage mode of operation of the apparatus. A combination of mechanical and hydraulic forces are utilized to control opening and closing of the valve in both the alarm test and system fluid drainage modes of operation. The mechanical force is provided by a spring and the hydraulic force is provided by a fluid pressure differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Victaulic Company of America
    Inventor: John Gibb
  • Patent number: 6484750
    Abstract: An integrated regulator and flow meter assembly having a piston reciprocatingly disposed in an opening of a body member, a support member disposed in the body member opening over the piston, and a flow tube coupled to the support member, wherein an aperture of the support member interconnects a flow conduit of the piston and the flow tube. A spring, preferably a wave spring or disc spring, biases the piston away from an orifice with a valve seat formed thereabout on an end portion of the body member opening. In one embodiment, the piston and a seating surface thereof are formed unitarily of a plastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Gary A. Foos, Robert W. Wakeman
  • Patent number: 6474361
    Abstract: A floating weir assembly for controlling the discharge of fluid from a fluid reservoir. The weir assembly includes a buoyant body preferably comprising a sidewall surrounding a central bottom opening. A weir is provided on the inside surface of the sidewall, and a gauge is provided on the opposite side of the sidewall's inside surface. The sidewall may provide a ballast chamber for holding ballast, such as sand. By adjusting the amount of the ballast, the depth to which the body is submerged can be varied. By distributing the sand circumferentially, the body can be leveled in the fluid to ensure accuracy of the weir. Because the sidewall is partially submerged, undesirable surface matter, such as oil and debris, is prevented from entering the weir. While there are many applications for this floating weir assembly, a preferred application is in the field of sewage treatment systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Poppe Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Poppe
  • Publication number: 20020134438
    Abstract: Viewing device adaptable to a pipe in which a fluid containing solid particles circulates, allowing to examine a volume of this fluid isolated from the fluid stream without changing its thermodynamic state in relation to that of the circulating fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Regis Vilagines, Philippe Maurel, Yvon Lagrange
  • Publication number: 20020124889
    Abstract: A subsea actuator and method is disclosed that includes all moving components mounted in a compact, concentric configuration. The subsea actuator is highly reliable and will operate at depth even with zero valve body cavity pressure. A preferably cup-shaped spring pusher is provided in telescoping relationship to the hydraulic chamber. A piston position indicator is provided which is connected externally to the hydraulic piston cylinder to avoid the possibility of hydraulic leaks due to the piston indicator. A manual override may be provided with a manual override indicator. The manual override indicator has a shorter travel length than the manual override operating stem to thereby reduce the overall length of the manual override assembly. The driving stem provides a removable connection to the hydraulic piston from the top of the actuator housing and a quick disconnect permits disconnection of the driving stem from the valve stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Alagarsamy Sundararajan
  • Publication number: 20020083982
    Abstract: A combined alarm test and drain device for a fire protection sprinkler system is disclosed. The apparatus is based on a globe valve and has certain specific modifications for the purposes of draining the system and allowing for flow through a specifically sized orifice under conditions simulating the flow through a sprinkler head having the same orifice size. Fluid flow through the apparatus occurs alternatively under a first set of test actuation conditions in a system alarm test mode of operation of the apparatus, and under a second set of fluid drainage actuation conditions in a system fluid drainage mode of operation of the apparatus. A combination of mechanical and hydraulic forces are utilized to control opening and closing of the valve in both the alarm test and system fluid drainage modes of operation. The mechanical force is provided by a spring and the hydraulic force is provided by a fluid pressure differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: John Gibb
  • Patent number: 6374850
    Abstract: An emergency gas line shut-off system for automatically preventing a flow of gas into a structure during the detection of emergency conditions. The emergency gas line shut-off system includes a gas valve for mounting on a gas supply line. The gas valve is electrically connected to a central control assembly for controlling the gas valve. The central control assembly preferably comprises control circuitry for determining when the gas valve should be in a closed condition for preventing the flow of gas into a structure. The control circuitry is mounted in a housing and is electrically connected to a detector for detecting a condition requiring the closed condition of the gas valve. The detector may comprise, for example, a smoke detector for detecting smoke, a carbon monoxide detector for detecting carbon monoxide or an earthquake detector for detecting earthquakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: Scott M. Timm
  • Patent number: 6360773
    Abstract: Systems and methods are discussed that monitor wear in seat materials of a valve. One aspect of the present invention includes a system. The system includes sensors to sense the open/closed status of the valve within a desired range. The system also includes a set of counters to count each time the desired range is adjusted to characterize the valve as having the open/closed status if the valve was not within the desired range. The count of each counter is indicative of wear in seat materials of the valve. Another aspect of the present invention includes a method. The method includes determining an open/closed status of the valve within a desired range, and adjusting adaptively the desired range so as to characterize the valve as having the open/closed status if the valve was not within the desired range. Each iteration of adjusting is indicative of wear in seat materials of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 6349733
    Abstract: A water storage and dispensing system includes a water storage tank, a dispenser, and a conduit system extending between and fluidly connecting the storage tank and the dispenser. The conduit system includes an outer shell conduit defining a conduit passage therein, and an inner tubing extending through the conduit passage. The inner tubing is in fluid communication with each of the storage tank and the dispenser and is arranged and configured to convey water from the storage tank to the dispenser. Preferably, the inner tubing is formed of instrument grade tubing. Preferably, the shell conduit is formed of PEX.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: LeBleu Corporation
    Inventor: Jerry Wayne Smith
  • Patent number: 6317717
    Abstract: A voice activated faucet is provided with a valve coupled between the faucet and a water line for allowing water to flow to the faucet upon the actuation thereof. Further provided is a voice recognition mechanism including a microphone for receiving and recognizing at least one audio signal. Also included is a control mechanism connected to the valve and voice recognition mechanism for actuating the valve upon the recognition of the audio signal by the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Lindsey, Cynthia Kaelin, Christopher A. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6302146
    Abstract: A valve and valve arrangement for a fire suppression system includes a remotely controlled valve such as a solenoid valve which is electrically controlled to provide a preselected flow through the remotely controlled valve corresponding to the flow through a single sprinkler head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: AGF Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: George J. McHugh
  • Patent number: 6263903
    Abstract: An arrangement intended for a stop valve (1) comprises a tubular member (9). The stop valve (1) is located in the ground (2) and has a valve housing (11) and a valve bonnet (12) fixed thereto with the aid of a fixing means (14), said valve bonnet having a valve spindle (15) supporting a movable stop means (16), such as a slide. The tubular member (9) extends from the valve (1) up to ground level to enable operation of the valve spindle (15). A collar means (10′) is tightly connected with and supported by the valve housing (11). The collar means (10′) has a collar portion (32) which surrounds the valve bonnet (12) and the fixing means (14) and is tightly connected with the lower end of the tubular member (9), the diameter of the tubular member (9) essentially corresponding to the diameter of the collar portion (32). Moreover, the arrangement comprises a pipe access means (12′), which instead of the valve bonnet (12) from ground level is tightly mountable on said valve housing (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas Sjöberg
  • Patent number: 6247489
    Abstract: A valve is disclosed. The valve has a housing that defines a central area and has at least two flow ports therethrough. A cover is provided that has a flapper assembly pivotally attached thereto. The cover is removably attachable to the housing in a plurality of orientations to selectively orient the flapper assembly adjacent any one of the ports such that fluid is permitted to flow into the central area of the housing through the adjacent port. The flapper assembly prevents the fluid from flowing back out of the central area through the adjacent port. The cover may have a transparent portion to permit the flapper assembly to be viewed and inspected during operation. A double seal arrangement is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Jandy Industries Inc
    Inventors: Bruce W. Maskell, Gene L. Pecci
  • Patent number: 6244290
    Abstract: A containment bag for installation over a fluid control valve is provided. The valve containment bag is configured to contain leaks emanating from fluid control valves connected in line between an associated first inlet pipe and a second outlet pipe. The inlet pipe and the valve form a first junction and the outlet pipe form a second junction which are to be housed, along with the valve itself, within said bag so that fluid leaking from the junctions leaks into the containment bag. The containment bag is formed of an impermeable fabric which encloses an internal volume sufficient to accommodate the control valve and the associated junctions. The impermeable fabric defines first and second openings between the internal volume and the external environment, the first opening has a diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the inlet pipe, and the second opening has a diameter substantially equal to an outer diameter of the outlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: MPC Containment Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Edward E. Reicin, Dennis W. O'Brien, James A. Parker