Combined Patents (Class 137/560)
  • Patent number: 11733138
    Abstract: A disclosed system determines the elevation of an emulsion phase in a vessel. The system includes more than one source-detector pairs connected to the vessel and a computing device. Each of the source-detector pairs include a radioactive source and a radiometric detector, and are positioned at an elevation measured from the bottom of the vessel. The computing device is connected to the source-detector pairs, and is configured to identify the height of an emulsion phase using an upper boundary target density and a lower boundary target density. The height of the emulsion phase is identified by obtaining density readings from at least two of the source-detector pairs, calculating an upper boundary emulsion phase elevation and calculating a lower boundary emulsion phase elevation, each calculation using the density readings, and at least one of the upper boundary target density, and the lower boundary target density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Vega Americas, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Bowers, Eric Danielson, Christopher Hamilton Willoughby
  • Patent number: 11639934
    Abstract: An autonomous bioaerosol sampling and detection system and method adapted to provide real-time detection and identification of bio-organisms in aerosols without human intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Inventors: Aaron Cody Youngbull, Timothy Burgin
  • Patent number: 11566721
    Abstract: A dielectric union ball valve utilizes a non-conductive separation sleeve to prevent contact between the union and the nut of a dielectric valve assembly. The valve assembly can optionally include an independently operated drain valve port to permit draining of the valve assembly. The use and positioning of a non-conductive separation sleeve mitigates potential galvanic reaction between dissimilar pipes and/or fittings that are connected to the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: NIBCO Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher W. Mason
  • Patent number: 11112031
    Abstract: A diaphragm assembly for a diaphragm valve is described, which has a diaphragm which includes a functional portion adapted to cooperate with further components of the diaphragm valve and to separate opposite chambers. The diaphragm further includes a tab projecting laterally from the functional portion and having a through-opening provided therein. A marking element is fastened in the through-opening. In addition, a diaphragm valve having such a diaphragm assembly is presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: BUERKERT WERKE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Binz, Gertrud Eppler, Daniel Trenkamp
  • Patent number: 10625598
    Abstract: A fuel tank apparatus for a motor vehicle that includes a fuel tank and a filling module configured for connection to the fuel tank. The filling module includes a fuel accumulator and a filler neck configured for fluidic connection to the fuel accumulator in such a way that permits filling to occur place via the filler neck exclusively into the fuel accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA STEYR FUEL SYSTEMS GSMBH WERK SCHWÄBISCH GMÜND
    Inventors: Horst Fetzer, Steffen Zanek
  • Patent number: 10527185
    Abstract: A valve assembly has a basic module and a plurality of valve modules which are mounted on the basic module side by side along a line-up direction, the basic module having a lower portion, an upper portion and a connecting portion connecting the lower and the upper portion, which enclose a receiving space for at least one valve module on three sides. The basic module has a bottom surface facing outwards and an upper side facing outwards. At least one external fluid connection is provided which is arranged on the bottom surface or on the upper side. Furthermore, at least one external electrical connection is provided which is arranged on the bottom surface or on the upper side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: BUERKERT WERKE GMBH & CO. KG.
    Inventors: Martin Ottliczky, Harry Stoesser, Heiko Engler
  • Patent number: 10413900
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides microfluidic devices, systems and methods for sample preparation and/or analysis. A microfluidic device can include a first channel having a sequence of (n) chambers each having a first volume (v). The first channel can include one or more valves at opposing ends of the first channel that fluidically isolate the first channel. The microfluidic device can further include a second channel in fluid communication with the first channel. The second channel can include at least one second chamber having a total second volume that is at least equal to the total volume of the first channel (n*v). The second channel can include one or more valves at opposing ends of the second channel that fluidically isolate the second channel from the first channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: GENAPSYS, INC.
    Inventors: Seth Stern, Hesaam Esfandyarpour, David Eberhart
  • Patent number: 10398857
    Abstract: A patient line dislodgement detection device and method. An example device includes a body having an entrance and an exit. The entrance and the exit are each configured to receive a tubing line therethrough. Applying a force to a tubing line causes the body to restrict fluid flow through the tubing line, thereby indicating a dislodgement condition. An example method includes receiving a tubing line through a dislodgement device. The method also includes restricting fluid flow by the dislodgment device through the tubing line in response to application of a force on the tubing line. The method also includes detecting a dislodgment condition based on restricting the fluid flow through the tubing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Toltec Ventures, LLC
    Inventor: Byron William Larson
  • Patent number: 10347878
    Abstract: A battery terminal cover (10) for accommodating a battery terminal (30) to be connected to a battery post (42) includes a main body (11) with a first accommodation space (18) for accommodating the battery terminal (30) and an opening (19) for opening the first accommodation space (18) to outside. A lid (21) is displaceable between a closing position for closing the opening (19) and an opening position for opening the opening (19). Hinges (25) project from outer surfaces of the main body (11) and the lid (21) and couple the main body (11) and the lid (21). Projections (26) project from the outer surface of the main body (11) near the hinges (25) and have a projecting dimension equal to or larger than that of the hinges (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiichi Tsukiyoshi
  • Patent number: 10137245
    Abstract: A monitoring and control system, apparatus and method for safe administration, reduction or cessation of administration of at least on medication, fluid or both, which includes at least one Central Source Site (CSS) Photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor coupled to means for control of delivery of the at least one medication, fluid or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Melker, Donn M. Dennis, Jeremy Melker, Mark Rice, Robert Hurley, Mark Gold, Richard Allen
  • Patent number: 10111312
    Abstract: Output timing of laser light is controlled with high accuracy. An extreme ultraviolet light generation device may include a chamber in which plasma is generated to generate extreme ultraviolet light, a window provided in the chamber, an optical path pipe connected to the chamber, a light source disposed in the optical path pipe and configured to output light into the chamber via the window, a gas supply unit configured to supply gas into the optical path pipe, and an exhaust port configured to discharge the gas in the optical path pipe to an outside of the optical path pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Gigaphoton Inc.
    Inventors: Toru Suzuki, Kotaro Miyashita, Yoshifumi Ueno, Takuya Ishii
  • Patent number: 10077182
    Abstract: A fuel can adapter is designed to be used with a fuel can having a neck that is internally and externally threaded. The fuel can adapter includes a plate having external threads for engaging internal threads of the neck, the plate including a hole. The adapter includes a sliding tube mounted to slide within the hole in the plate. The adapter includes an elbow mounted at an upper end of the tube, the elbow including an outlet. The adapter further includes a protrusion extending from the plate beside the hole. The elbow bears against the protrusion to exert a torque on the plate that threads or unthreads the plate from the neck of the fuel can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Mercedes Textiles Ltd.
    Inventor: Duane Leonhardt
  • Patent number: 10065328
    Abstract: A suction device includes a valve, a piezoelectric pump, and a housing. The valve includes a valve casing and a diaphragm. A first ventilation hole, a second ventilation hole, and a third ventilation hole are formed in the valve casing. The diaphragm is fixed to the valve casing and forms a flow path in the valve casing. The second ventilation hole is opened under atmospheric pressure. The piezoelectric pump has a suction hole and a discharge hole. The discharge hole is in communication with the first ventilation hole. The housing has a cavity. A suction pad is attached to the cavity. The housing forms an enclosed space together with the valve and the piezoelectric pump. The enclosed space is a space that is in communication with the cavity, the suction hole, and the third ventilation hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Susumu Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 10052663
    Abstract: A food article defect removal apparatus includes a manifold that defines one or more chambers for holding pressurized fluid. First channels extend from a first side of the manifold into fluid communication with the chambers. Second channels extend from the first side of the manifold to a second side of the manifold. Valves selectively connect corresponding first channels and second channels together to dispense the pressurized fluid from the manifold. The manifold can have an exterior wall that at least partially defines a first chamber and a second chamber, with an interior wall disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber. The interior wall can define the second channels. The valves can be included with a valve assembly, which includes a driver operably coupled with the valves. The valves can be pluggably coupled with the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Lamb Weston, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Klein, Kevin Mellor, Chris Rhynalds
  • Patent number: 9857806
    Abstract: A valve assembly for influencing at least one fluid flow, the valve assembly including a control unit and at least one valve device, wherein the control unit includes a bus interface for connection to a bus communication system for the reception of movement instructions, a processing device for processing the movement instructions into control commands for valve devices and at least one connecting device for the electric coupling of valve devices, and wherein the at least one valve device is electrically connected to one of the connecting devices of the control unit and includes a processing means designed for processing the control commands, wherein the processing means is assigned at least one first connecting means for the electric coupling of valves and at least one second connecting means for the electric coupling of sensor means, and wherein the processing means is designed for linking sensor signals of connected sensor means to the control commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: FESTO AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Martin Maichl, Herbert Hufnagl, Ralf Forcht
  • Patent number: 9632072
    Abstract: A machine fluid testing probe is disclosed having a handle, a shaft connected to the handle, and a plurality of indicators supported by the shaft. The shaft has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a first portion extending from the first end toward the second end, a second portion extending from the first portion toward the second end, and a shoulder defined by the second portion. The second portion has a continuous arcuate external surface having a second cross-sectional axis greater than a first cross-sectional axis of the first portion. The shaft is configured to contact a machine fluid. The plurality of indicators are supported by the first portion of the shaft between the first end and the second end. Each of the plurality of indicators is configured to test for one or more contaminants in the machine fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Luneta, LLC
    Inventors: James Chester Fitch, Thomas Chester Fitch
  • Patent number: 9592799
    Abstract: One embodiment provides an electronic control unit including: a base body; a control circuit board that controls electric parts; and a housing that is attached to one surface of the base body. The housing includes an accommodating portion which accommodates the control circuit board thereinside and a flange. The flange includes an attaching hole penetrating therethrough. A part of the accommodating portion is positioned on an extension of a center axis of the attaching hole. An attaching pin projects from the one surface of the base body so as to be inserted into the attaching hole. An attaching portion is formed on the attaching pin so as to be positioned between the flange and the accommodating portion. An elastic member is attached to the attaching portion so as to bias the flange toward the one surface of the base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: AUTOLIV NISSIN BRAKE SYSTEMS JAPAN CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masatoshi Iyatani
  • Patent number: 9506829
    Abstract: Pressure sensor package that includes: a pressure sensor support attached to an interconnect housing which is attached to a compensation support; wherein: (a) a pressure sensor device is attached to the pressure sensor support and is electrically connected to pads disposed on the pressure sensor support; (b) compensation circuitry is attached to the compensation support and is electrically connected to pads disposed on the compensation support; (c) connectors disposed in through holes in a wall of the interconnect housing are electrically connected to the pads on the pressure sensor support and to the pads on the compensation support; and (d) a pressure port is disposed in the pressure sensor support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: DUNAN SENSING LLC
    Inventors: Tom T. Nguyen, Cuong D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9200706
    Abstract: In an automotive servo-assisted mechanical transmission, an electro-hydraulic actuation group has an actuation unit, a power unit able to provide hydraulic pressure to the actuation unit and an electronic control unit, the actuation and power units being equipped with respective components that are all mounted on a hydraulic casing of the actuation unit so as to define with one another a single assembly, at least part of the components being equipped with respective electrical connectors that are arranged in a manner such that they can all be engaged by a same multiple electrical connector device, electrically connectable to the electronic control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa' Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Marco Garabello, Andrea Piazza
  • Publication number: 20150136176
    Abstract: A portable power and water supply for hard surface or carpet cleaners is disclosed. The portable power and water supply can include a portable platform with a fresh/waste water tank and two or more power connectors that can be coupled to separate power sources. The fresh/waste water tank can have an internal bladder that separates fresh cleaning water from returned waste water. The fresh/waste water tank can facilitate operation of cleaning tools (e.g., hard surface cleaners and/or carpet cleaners) in buildings with limited or widely spaced water supplies, without the need for long hoses. The power connectors can be coupled to wall power to direct power to the cleaning tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Sean Aldrich
  • Publication number: 20150083247
    Abstract: A valve diaphragm is provided with indicia of origin, batch number, date of manufacture and other information. Critical indicia are disposed on outwardly projecting tabs that can be see when the diaphragm is operatively mounted in the valve. Indicia may be provided on elastomeric and non-elastomeric portions of the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Richard Schroder
  • Patent number: 8985049
    Abstract: Pressure maskers for masking at least one passageway of an article include a body portion that surrounds at least a portion of the article around the at least one passageway, at least one fluid inlet connected to the body portion that provides a conduit for pressurized masking fluid to pass from an exterior of the pressure masker to an interior of the pressure masker, wherein the article is at least partially disposed within the interior of the pressure masker, and at least one seal that seals the body portion at least partially around the article such that the pressurized masking fluid that enters the interior of the pressure masker is at least partially forced through the at least one passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark Carmine Bellino, Jonathan Matthew Lomas, Matthew Paul Berkebile, Michael Anthony DePalma, III
  • Publication number: 20150081106
    Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system has an irrigation subsystem. An HVAC system controller has a processor configured to control an irrigation control system. A method includes providing an HVAC system controller and operating the HVAC system controller to at least one of receive, transmit, and display at least one of an irrigation subsystem control parameter and an irrigation subsystem monitoring parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventor: Arun Kumar Buduri
  • Publication number: 20150041002
    Abstract: A fluid flow control valve (101, 601) includes a housing (106) and a spherical obstructer (107) having a through hole (108), wherein the spherical obstructer (107) is inserted in the housing (106) and is adapted to rotate therein (106) about an axis of rotation (110) between a first position, in which the through hole (108) is substantially coaxial to the control valve to allow the passage of a fluid, and a second position, in which the through hole (108) is substantially transversal to the control valve to prevent the passage of a fluid. The control valve further includes a rotor (111) within the through hole (108), wherein the rotor is adapted to rotate in a continuous manner under the action of a fluid flowing through the control valve, rotating about a second axis of rotation (112) substantially coinciding with the axis of rotation of the spherical obstructer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Stefano Malavasi
  • Publication number: 20150028005
    Abstract: Vascular treatment and methods include a plurality of self-expanding bulbs and a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Joints between woven structures and hypotubes include solder. Woven structures include patterns of radiopaque filaments measureable under x-ray. Structures are heat treated to include at least shapes at different temperatures. A catheter includes a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Heat treating systems include a detachable flange. Laser cutting systems include a fluid flow system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Insera Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventors: Vallabh Janardhan, Vikram Janardhan
  • Patent number: 8936039
    Abstract: A communication apparatus, an air conditioning system having the same, and a communication method for the air conditioning system using a refrigerant pipe are provided. The refrigerant pipe may be used as a transmission line to allow communications between an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, and a low frequency band signal and a core having an inductance value appropriate for the characteristic of a pipe communication frequency may be used to perform the pipe communication, which allows communications between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit without a separate communication line, resulting in minimizing noise interruption and affection of surge, and avoiding signal strength attenuation and signal radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Juntae Kim, Sangchul Youn, Seunghwan Jung
  • Publication number: 20140352620
    Abstract: A guiding assembly is used in a coating device. The coating device includes a target and an umbrella stand. The guiding assembly is located between the target and the umbrella stand, and includes a motor, a transmission unit driven by the motor, and a plurality of guiding boards driven by the transmission unit. The guiding boards are rotatable to control a direction of motion of particles stimulated from the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SHAO-KAI PEI
  • Publication number: 20140352818
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for tagging, or otherwise marking, a perpetrator or suspected perpetrator are provided. The apparatus includes a marker delivery device configured to mark the perpetrator, for example, with a canine scent or fluorescent marker; and a trigger configured to actuate the marker delivery device, for example, a button or switch. The marker delivery device may deliver a fluid or a solid to the clothes or accessories of a perpetrator when activated. The apparatus may also include a sensor adapted to detect the presence of the perpetrator, for example, an optical or mechanical sensor. The sensor may be adapted to detect the presence of the perpetrator in a target area of the marker delivery device. Methods of tagging are also disclosed. Aspects of the invention are uniquely adapted for convenience store or gas station security, but can also be applied in residential and office environments, among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: John COSTA
  • Publication number: 20140318646
    Abstract: A controller integrated fuel pump module for a vehicle, may include a reservoir cup configured to be fixed to an interior of a fuel tank, a fuel pump installed in an interior of the reservoir cup to pump fuel introduced into the interior of the reservoir cup, and a flange for fixing the reservoir cup and the fuel pump to the fuel tank, wherein a receiving part may be formed to an outer surface of the flange and may include an inner space, and wherein a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly configured to mount devices of a controller to a PCB may be molded in the receiving part, in a state in which the PCB assembly may be received in the receiving part, and a molding portion surrounds the PCB assembly in the receiving part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicants: KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Ju Tae Song, Yeoun Kwan Sung
  • Publication number: 20140299195
    Abstract: A sintering device (1) for sintering workpieces, in particular dental workpieces, in a shielding gas atmosphere, wherein the sintering device (1) has at least one sintering chamber (2) with at least one gas inlet (3) and at least one gas outlet (4) for a gas exchange in a sintering chamber cavity (5) which is surrounded by the sintering chamber (2), and the sintering device has at least one sintering material compartment (6) arranged in the sintering chamber cavity (5) in order to receive the workpiece to be sintered. The sintering device (1) additionally has at least one sintering material cover (7) for covering the workpiece to be sintered in the sintering material compartment (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Amann Girrbach AG
    Inventors: Falko Noack, Axel Reichert
  • Publication number: 20140283932
    Abstract: A pneumatic tool driving assembly comprises: a valve housing defining first and second chambers and a valve opening; a valve mechanism including a valve actuator that extends into the valve housing, and a valve member that is disposed for closing the valve opening and that is actuated by the valve actuator to uncover the valve opening; and a trigger mechanism pivoted to an exterior of the valve housing so as to be pressible relative to the valve housing. The trigger mechanism includes a detachable wrench that is spaced apart from the valve housing, and a pivot joint that is pivoted to the valve housing and that brings the wrench to pivot relative to the valve housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Basso Industry Corp.
    Inventors: Chiang Hua, Yu-Chieh Liu
  • Publication number: 20140261796
    Abstract: A system for extracting liquid from a pipeline includes a flexible elongate member having a first end and including a conduit having an intake port proximate the first end for receiving the liquid therein. The system also includes a camera arrangement attached to the first end of the flexible elongate member, and a connection arrangement disposed between the camera arrangement and the first end of the flexible elongate member. The connection arrangement including at least one opening in fluid communication with the intake port such that the liquid can pass through the opening and into the intake port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ULC ROBOTICS INC.
    Inventors: G. Gregory Penza, George Lohr
  • Publication number: 20140259392
    Abstract: The application is directed to a system operationally configured to assist individuals with performing one or more activities including, but not necessarily limited to moving from one location to another, showering, using a mirror, using a sink, bathing, using a toilet, performing one or more leisure activities, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, the system may include an assembly and transport member connected thereto, the assembly including a bed and/or bath and/or toilet and/or personal item storage system and/or entertainment system integrated with one or both of smart and manual processes operationally configured to assist individuals with performing one or more activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Chih-Cheng Chen, Izuchukwu Samuel ILonze
  • Publication number: 20140246099
    Abstract: An automatic faucet includes a housing forming partially an internal barrel and a faucet head and being constructed to include at least one water inlet conduit extending into said barrel and a water outlet for delivering water from a spout. The automatic faucet also includes a faucet head having a removable faucet crown and the spout, wherein the faucet crown is removably mounted to the faucet head. The automatic faucet also includes a valve module, a sensor module, a battery module, a turbine module, and a control module. The valve module includes a valve controlled by an electromagnetic actuator for controlling the water flow from the spout. The sensor module is constructed to provide sensor data influenced by a user. The control module is constructed to control opening and closing of the valve by providing signals to the electromagnetic actuator. The control module is also constructed to receive sensor data from the sensor module and execute a sensing algorithm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Kay Herbert, Xiaoxiong Mo, Jeff Krull, Jean F. Daher, Qiaohong Chen, Ronald J. Vish, Fatih Guler, Xu Wang, Stanley O. Thompson, David L. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 8820349
    Abstract: In a control valve for adjusting a process medium flow of a technical process installation, a housing is provided with an interior to be traversed by a process medium. A valve seat is disposed inside the housing interior. A valve member is provided obstructing or clearing the valve seat wherein a flow cross section of the control valve can be altered according to a relative position between the valve member and the valve seat for adjusting the process medium flow to initiate a pressure change in the process medium flow between an upstream and a downstream duct section. An electrical consumer is provided. A thermoelectric element is coupled to supply electrical power to the electrical consumer. The thermoelectric element is disposed at a position in the housing interior for generating the electrical power resulting from a temperature difference that accompanies a pressure difference at a location of said position of the thermoelectric element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Samson Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Joerg Kiesbauer
  • Publication number: 20140220173
    Abstract: A microfluidic device platform may include a valve manifold adapted to deliver a programmable pressure to a plurality of ports, a cell chamber having programmable environmental control, and a chip-to-world interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventor: Carlo Joseph Quinonez
  • Publication number: 20140216576
    Abstract: A gas lock device may include a chamber having a passage section and a connection hole that connects a surface to the passage section, an optical element that is attached to the chamber and seals the passage section, a gas supply apparatus, and a pipe that is attached at one end to the gas supply apparatus and attached at the other end to the chamber, and may define a flow channel communicating with the connection hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GIGAPHOTON INC.
    Inventors: Hiroshi SOMEYA, Hideto SAITO
  • Publication number: 20140205501
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for reducing the growth of microbial contamination, such as bacteria, virus, mold and biofilms, in an air-handling unit. The apparatus includes a mounting member configured to couple with a housing of an air-handling unit and a turbine coupled with the mounting member and configured to produce energy when positioned in an air flow path through the air-handling unit. The apparatus also includes an electrode assembly including an anode configured to be placed in a condensate pan and receive energy from the turbine. The anode produces agents that reduce the growth of microbial contamination when energized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: RGF Enviromental Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter B. ELLIS
  • Publication number: 20140174556
    Abstract: An automatic faucet includes a housing constructed to receive at least one water inlet conduit and having a spout for delivering water. The automatic faucet includes a valve module, a sensor module, a battery module, a turbine module, and a control module. The valve module includes a valve controlled by an electromagnetic actuator for controlling the water flow from the spout. The sensor module is constructed to provide sensor data influenced by a user. The control module is constructed to control opening and closing of the valve by providing signals to the electromagnetic actuator. The control module is also constructed to receive sensor data from the sensor module and execute a sensing algorithm. The control module is also constructed to execute a power management algorithm for managing electrical power generated by the water turbine and provided to and from the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Kay Herbert, Xiaoxiong Mo, Jeff Krull, Jean F. Daher, Qiaohong Chen, Ronald J. Vish, Fatih Guler, Xu Wang, Stanley O. Thompson, David L. Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20140166126
    Abstract: Disclosed is a reductant delivery system comprising a reductant tank, a reductant delivery mechanism, a reductant pressure source, and an extraction passage. The extraction passage is coupled fluidly to the reductant tank and the reductant pressure source therebetween. The reductant delivery system also comprises a reductant manifold that comprises a junction positioned therein. Further, the reductant manifold comprises (1) a supply passage coupled fluidly to the reductant pressure source and the junction therebetween, (2) a dosing passage coupled fluidly to the reductant delivery mechanism and the junction therebetween, and (3) a return passage coupled fluidly to the reductant tank and the junction therebetween. The reductant delivery system comprises a reductant quality sensor positioned in the supply passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Christopher D. Turner, Timothy P. Slattery, Michael J. Pipho, Keith A. Luke
  • Publication number: 20140141347
    Abstract: A device for producing and storing dioxygen and/or dihydrogen is provided. The device includes a source of dioxygen and dihydrogen, and a high pressure tank to store the dioxygen, respectively dihydrogen, at high pressure, in fluid communication with the source. The device further includes a bypass line connecting an outlet of dioxygen, respectively of dihydrogen, of the source with an outlet of dioxygen, respectively of dihydrogen, of the production and storage device, bypassing the high pressure tank, the bypass line being fed through a pressure regulator to reduce the pressure in the bypass line; and a device for measuring the concentration of dihydrogen, respectively of dioxygen, in the dioxygen respectively in the dihydrogen produced by the source, the measuring device being arranged on the bypass line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: AREVA Stockage d'Energie
    Inventor: Olivier Verdu
  • Publication number: 20140130910
    Abstract: Bushing assemblies include a first tubular end portion, a second tubular end portion, and a middle tubular portion. The middle tubular portion has a longitudinal compressive strength that is less than that of the end portions. In some embodiments, the middle tubular portion is constructed of braided sleeving. Also disclosed are bushing assembly kits, apparatuses that include bushing assemblies, such as aircraft, and associated methods of utilizing bushing assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: The Boeing Company
  • Publication number: 20140130873
    Abstract: A water flow valve positioned within a water distribution system just past a building's water meter. The valve compresses air bubbles into the water at the point where the water enters the meter, thus making the meter read less volume when the water passes through it. The air is compressed through back pressure created by the valve. With this increase in pressure, the air molecules in the water begin to collapse and occupy less space. When the water, with collapsed air molecules, passes through the meter, the meter reads basically only the water volume, as the amount of any air volume remaining is negligible. As such, the user's water bill is lower, as compared to if no valve had been disposed within the water line, and the bill reflect a more accurate reading of the actual amount of water that has been delivered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: FLUID DYNAMICS HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Fluid Dynamics Holdings, LLC
  • Publication number: 20140102563
    Abstract: Disclosed are techniques to reduce the effects of Paschen events from occurring within a gas transport system. A passive isolation assembly may be used to bridge a gas being transported from a low potential environment to a high potential environment. The passive isolation assembly may include a non-conductive axially bored transport insulator. An irregularly shaped non-conductive isolation tracking insulator may be in direct contact with and surrounding the transport insulator. The passive isolation assembly may also include an electrically conductive front end sealing cap at earth ground potential that has an opening that is adapted to couple with a source gas transport line and an electrically conductive rear end sealing cap at a high voltage potential that has an opening adapted to couple with a destination gas transport line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: VARIAN SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventor: Craig R. Chaney
  • Publication number: 20140090728
    Abstract: A supercritical fluid extraction system including a housing, motor, linkage assembly, and carriage coupled to the linkage. A piston assembly includes a piston housing with a chamber, back check valve, and piston coupled to the carriage and movable within the piston housing. The piston assembly includes a fluid inlet fluidly communicating with the chamber, and receives, compresses, and expels fluid into an exit fluid line. An intake manifold receives fluid and provides an inlet pathway to the fluid inlet. A single-pass flow path fluidly connects the exit fluid line and a collection chamber, extending through the exit fluid line, a compression chamber, a flow modulator assembly, and the collection chamber. The fluid extracts liquid from solid material within the compression chamber when at a minimum pressure within the compression chamber, passes through the flow modulator assembly and precipitates the extracted liquid into the collection chamber when below the minimum pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Kotsiopoulos
  • Publication number: 20140069535
    Abstract: A casing for installation in more than one circumferential position, includes a shell into which fluid may drain, a pre-installation bottom dead center of the shell, a first post-installation bottom dead center of the shell wherein the first post-installation bottom dead center of the shell is circumferentially rotated a first number of degrees in a first direction from the pre-installation bottom dead center of the shell. The non-limiting embodiment further discloses a first ramp disposed between the first post-installation bottom dead center of the shell and the pre-installation bottom dead center of the shell for directing fluid from the first post-installation bottom dead center of the shell to the pre-installation bottom dead center of the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Steven Clarkson, Thomas J. Robertson
  • Patent number: 8656944
    Abstract: A valve element combines a metering function and a pressure regulating function. A valve housing houses a metering valve. The metering valve is movable by a control to meter an amount of fluid delivered from an inlet to an outlet. A pressure regulating valve is received within the valve housing and is supplied with a pressure delivered into the inlet on a first face, and a pressure downstream of the outlet on a second face. The pressure regulating valve acts to regulate the pressure drop across the metering valve to ensure accurate fluid metering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Benney, Justin R. Morini
  • Publication number: 20130340863
    Abstract: A plumbing fixture includes a touchscreen user interface on a surface of a plumbing fixture. The touchscreen user interface is configured to allow a user to control at least one of the temperature or flow rate of a fluid exiting the plumbing fixture by controlling a mixing valve located within a body of the plumbing fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: KOHLER MIRA LIMITED
    Inventor: Kevin T. Peel
  • Publication number: 20130340864
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process valve (10) comprising a valve seat (14), a flow restrictor (12), a valve rod (16) and a drive unit (18) acting thereon, with a force measuring device (20, 44) being connected between said drive unit (18) and said flow restrictor (12). The invention is characterized in that said force measuring device (49) includes a spring (30, 46), and said force measuring device (29, 44) comprises a travel measuring device (38, 42, 50, 52) so as to allow the force acting on it to be determined based on the change in the deflection of the spring (30, 46) caused by the force acting on it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSON AG
    Inventors: JOERG KIESBAUER, STEFAN KOLBENSCHLAG, KARL-BERND SCHAERTNER
  • Publication number: 20130327020
    Abstract: An ammonia generating device is used for the treatment of exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, particularly for motor vehicles. The device includes a tank having a body capable of releasing ammonia by desorption. The device is also provided with a first single connection member comprising an electrical connection to supply the device with electricity and a fluid connection to allow evacuation of the ammonia produced following the desorption reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Xavier Bartolo, David Gafforelli