Multiple Inlet With Multiple Outlet Patents (Class 137/597)
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Publication number: 20080202610Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering gases to a semiconductor processing system are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for delivering gases to a semiconductor processing system includes a plurality of gas input and output lines having inlet and outlet ports. Connecting lines couple respective pairs of the gas input and gas output lines. Connecting valves are arranged to control flow through the respective connecting lines. Mass gas flow controllers are arranged to control flow into respective inlet ports. In another embodiment, a method includes providing a manifold having at least a plurality of inlet that may be selectively coupled to at least one of a plurality of outlets, flowing one or more gases through the manifold to a vacuum environment by-passing the processing chamber prior to processing or to a calibration circuit, and flowing the one or more gases into the processing chamber during substrate processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Ezra Robert Gold, Richard Charles Fovell, James Patrick Cruse, Jared Ahmad Lee, Bruno Geoffrion, Douglas Arthur Buchberger, Martin J. Salinas
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Publication number: 20080202609Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering gases to a semiconductor processing system are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for delivering gases to a semiconductor processing system includes a plurality of gas input and output lines having inlet and outlet ports. Connecting lines couple respective pairs of the gas input and gas output lines. Connecting valves are arranged to control flow through the respective connecting lines. Mass gas flow controllers are arranged to control flow into respective inlet ports. In another embodiment, a method includes providing a manifold having at least a plurality of inlet that may be selectively coupled to at least one of a plurality of outlets, flowing one or more gases through the manifold to a vacuum environment by-passing the processing chamber prior to processing or to a calibration circuit, and flowing the one or more gases into the processing chamber during substrate processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: EZRA ROBERT GOLD, Richard Charles Fovell, James Patrick Cruse, Jared Ahmad Lee, Bruno Geoffrion, Douglas Arthur Buchberger, Martin J. Salinas
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Publication number: 20080163940Abstract: The water separator of the present invention has water inlets arranged onto a side wall, and a through-hole placed centrally at top of the body for insertion of brake valve rod. The coupling swing base is installed at bottom of the brake valve rod. The bottom of the coupling swing base is mated with the rotational valve plate, and the rotational valve plate is fitted with a through-groove that can align with any water outlet on the stationary valve plate and foundation. Flexible snappers are arranged at intervals around the coupling swing base, such that snapping portions are placed at intervals onto the wall of upper space in the body. When the coupling swing base is rotated to a preset angle under the drive of brake valve rod, the positioning effect could be achieved through the mating of flexible snapper and snapping portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: KUCHING INTERNATIONAL LTD.Inventor: Mei-Li CHEN
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Patent number: 7389793Abstract: A faucet device includes a block disposed in a faucet member and having two passages for receiving hot and cold water and having an entrance and an exit coupled to a solenoid valve, a housing disposed in the faucet member and having two ports aligned with the entrance and the exit of the block and an outlet for supplying the water out of the faucet member. A controlling device may control the water to selectively flow through the ports of the housing to allow the faucet device to be selectively operated either manually or automatically. A valve shank may control the hot water and the cold water to flow through the passages and to be mixed in the block.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Inventor: Hsiang Hung Wang
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Publication number: 20080121293Abstract: A showerhead system is provided. The showerhead system may provide a plurality of spray modes using a control mode selector located adjacent to a shower pipe. The showerhead system may also include an adjustment mechanism located near or about the shower pipe. The showerhead system may also have dual support structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2007Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: Water Pik, Inc.Inventors: Leland C. Leber, Brian R. Williams
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Publication number: 20080115834Abstract: A system and method for dividing the flow of one or more process fluids in a predetermined flow ratio is provided herein. In one embodiment, a system for dividing flow of one or more process fluids in a predetermined flow ratio includes a process chamber having a plurality of inlets for delivering one or more process fluids into the process chamber; a plurality of modulating valves coupled to the plurality of inlets, wherein each inlet of the plurality of inlets is coupled to at least one modulating valve; and a controller coupled to the plurality of modulating valves, the controller configured to control the operation of the plurality of modulating valves to divide the flow of one or more process fluids in the predetermined flow ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2006Publication date: May 22, 2008Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Bruno Geoffrion, Mark Adam Crocket
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Patent number: 7367355Abstract: A twin manifold seat valve comprising at least two closure members S1, S2, S3 each functionally associated with at least one valve seat D1, D2, D3, D4. At least one of the closure members is moved to a blocking position with predetermined blocking force at the valve seat upon energization of a solenoid and counter to the force of a spring 22, 7. A single common solenoid M is functionally associated to both closure members S1, S2, S3 by two pivotably supported reduction levers U1, U2. The armature 2 of the solenoid actuates both reduction levers U1, U2. The closure members are located on the same side of the pivot support of the reduction levers. A spring member is integrated into at least one of the reduction levers. The solenoid armature deforms the spring members to generate the closure member blocking force by moving the closure members into contact with their respective seats.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2005Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Hawe Hydraulik GmbH & Co., KGInventor: Georg Neumair
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Patent number: 7367352Abstract: The valve device consists, according to the invention, of (at least) two part valves which are symmetrical in circuit terms with respect to the existing connections and which are designed, in particular, as four-way, two position valves of any desired type of construction, but preferably are provided as slide valves. There is preferably a double slide valve with two cooperating slide valves. The valve device features internal seals and sealing surfaces which minimize wear and damage to the seals as they move across flow ports. The valve device is particularly adapted for use as a fuel control valve for an internal combustion powered motor vehicle having two separate fuel tanks. The valve device permits control over which tank supplies fuel to the engine, and allows controlled mixing of the fuels from each tank.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2005Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Voss Automotive GmbHInventors: Harald Hagen, Markus Hasberg, Andreas Suhr
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Patent number: 7363938Abstract: A dual valve assembly includes two regulating valves. Each valve includes an outer housing comprised of a cap joined to a base. The housing is internally subdivided by a barrier wall into a head section and a base section, the latter being further subdivided by a modulating assembly into a fluid chamber and a spring chamber. An inlet and a 90° outlet in the cap communicate with the fluid chamber. Fluid at a variable pressure is admitted into the fluid chamber via the inlet, with the modulating assembly serving to maintain the fluid exiting the fluid chamber via the outlet at a substantially constant pressure. A smaller one of the valves has its base nested within the spring chamber of the other larger valve.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Global Agricultural Technology and Engineering, LLCInventor: John R. Newton
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Patent number: 7357150Abstract: A safety shut-off device for sections of fluid circuits, which in case of damage or the like, have to shut off from each other on safety considerations. The safety shut-off device includes at least two valves connected to each other via a control chamber. A first pressure differential with the control chamber closes the valves and a second pressure differential, which is greater than the first, opens the valves.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2007Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Juergen Berbuer
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Patent number: 7343930Abstract: A fluid delivery system including a faucet and a hand-held sprayer is disclosed. The temperature of the water provided by the faucet is controlled independent of the temperature of the water provided by the hand-held sprayer. The temperature of the water provided by the hand-held sprayer may be controlled by a valve supported by the hand-held sprayer. The temperature of the water provided by the hand-held sprayer may be controlled through a control member supported by the hand-held sprayer.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Masco Corporation of IndianaInventor: M. Scot Rosko
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Patent number: 7343923Abstract: The present invention is directed to a utility hot and cold water mixing system consisting of three components, a hot water Y-coupler with a flow control ball valve on one side, a central Y-coupler with a flow control ball valve and a cold water Y-coupler on the other side. A unique configuration derived by twisting the connecting hoses maintains the central Y-coupler in an upright position. The system has been designed to mount to the hot and cold water faucets used by the washing machine no matter what the spacing is. It allows the temperature of the water to be preset so that each time the control valve is opened the proper temperature water is provided and no adjustments are required while providing full pressure hot and cold water to a washing machine.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Jody R. Foster
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Patent number: 7334604Abstract: A faucet includes a rotation unit, a primary water dividing unit, a water outlet member, a secondary water dividing unit, a first control switch, and a second control switch. Thus, the primary water dividing unit has two different water outlet manners, and the secondary water dividing unit also has two different water outlet manners, so that the faucet has multiple different water outlet manners by the primary water dividing unit and the secondary water dividing unit, thereby enhancing the versatility of the faucet.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Chang Peng Metal Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ren-Yih Hwang
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Patent number: 7334599Abstract: A single lever faucet with spray, wherein two cold and hot water inlet holes, a water outlet hole and a through hole are defined in the bottom of the faucet body, and the water outlet hole is connected to a hollow threaded tube, and the through hole is connected to a connecting tube. One side of the peripheral of the faucet body is defined with a chamber and a controlling device, and in the top surface of the faucet body is formed an inserting groove that is connected to the through hole for inserting a discharging base. A tee joint member is mounted between the hollow threaded tube and the connecting tube, a valve room is defined in the tee joint member for installing a diverter valve, and the middle section of the tee joint member is connected to the hollow threaded tube, and the ends are connected to a spray gun and a guiding tube respectively. Therefore, by opening and closing the spray gun, the water that supplied to the spray gun and the water outlet tube can be changed automatically.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2006Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Horng Lai Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ming-Dang Shieh
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Patent number: 7331362Abstract: A valve includes a hollow pipe defining a first opening and a second opening aligning with each other. A first passage, a second passage, a third passage and a fourth passage are respectively defined in an inner surface of the hollow pipe and communicate with each other. A piston is received in the hollow pipe and forms a first flange and a second flange thereon. A first stop is formed above the first flange and has long sides and short sides. A second stop is formed below the second flange and has long sides and short sides. The first flange and the second flange blocking the third passage and the fourth passage depends on the short sides/long sides being aligned with the third passage and the fourth passage, whereby water discharge path is controlled easily and exactly.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.Inventor: Ouyang Huei
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Publication number: 20080035219Abstract: A gas delivery system for a recreational vehicle comprising an inlet hose configured to be connected to a source of gas, a manifold connected to the inlet hose, a plurality of supply hoses connected to the manifold, and a plurality of appliances configured to be positioned within the recreational vehicle, with each one of the appliances being connected to one of the supply hoses. Gas can be supplied to each of the appliances via the inlet hose, the manifold and one of the supply hoses.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Inventors: Edward R. Lee, Robert C. Jones, Jeromey Treg Yowell, Randy Scott Wheaton
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Publication number: 20080029168Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid distribution apparatus and method. The various embodiments of the fluid distribution apparatus comprise a core and a housing by which at least two input fluid streams may be selectively directed through two or more input ports to two or more output ports such that external attachments to the apparatus may remain substantially fixed and whereby substantially no input port or output port is left unused.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2006Publication date: February 7, 2008Inventor: John A. Kinlaw
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Publication number: 20080029169Abstract: High-density microfluidic chips contain plumbing networks with thousands of micromechanical valves and hundreds of individually addressable chambers. These fluidic devices are analogous to electronic integrated circuits fabricated using large scale integration (LSI). A component of these networks is the fluidic multiplexor, which is a combinatorial array of binary valve patterns that exponentially increases the processing power of a network by allowing complex fluid manipulations with a minimal number of inputs. These integrated microfluidic networks can be used to construct a variety of highly complex microfluidic devices, for example the microfluidic analog of a comparator array, and a microfluidic memory storage device resembling electronic random access memories.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2006Publication date: February 7, 2008Applicant: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Sebastian J. Maerkl, Todd A. Thorsen, Xiaoyan Bao, Stephen R. Quake, Vincent Studer
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Publication number: 20080017258Abstract: A bridge mixer tap has two interconnected tap pillars and a spout extending from the interconnection. Each pillar has an inlet and an adjustable flow controller for controlling flow from the inlet. One pillar permits fluid flow to the spout via the interconnection, while the other pillar is sealed from the spout in the interconnection. Flow from each of the two inlets is channelled to a valve, which allows the mixed fluids from the two inlets to be directed either along the pillar that is in fluid communication with the spout or to a separate spray unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Inventors: William Peter HERRING, James Moore
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Patent number: 7314060Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid flow conducting module comprising two or more inlets, one or more outlets, and a chamber that has a first and second blocks therein. Further, the chamber has a gradually wider section in the middle, and two convergent ends. One convergent end is connected to the inlets, and the other convergent end is connected to the outlets. The first block has an acute angle in the front, and is placed close to the first convergent end and the inlets. The second block has a convex surface in the front, and is placed close to the second convergent end. The fluids are injected into the chamber through the inlets, flow through the chamber, and conducted towards one or more outlets for further collection and analysis. This fluid flow conducting module has a wide range of flow speed and a simple structure. It can be used in a wide range of applications, such as cell culture, cell reaction to medicine or bio-chemical detection.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2005Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Jyh-Jain Chen, Jhy-Wen Wu
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Publication number: 20070295417Abstract: A faucet device includes a block disposed in a faucet member and having two passages for receiving hot and cold water and having an entrance and an exit coupled to a solenoid valve, a housing disposed in the faucet member and having two ports aligned with the entrance and the exit of the block and an outlet for supplying the water out of the faucet member. A controlling device may control the water to selectively flow through the ports of the housing to allow the faucet device to be selectively operated either manually or automatically. A valve shank may control the hot water and the cold water to flow through the passages and to be mixed in the block.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2006Publication date: December 27, 2007Inventor: Hsiang Hung Wang
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Patent number: 7299823Abstract: A connector (1) connects an air-inflatable mattress (4) which alternately inflatable cells (11, 12) to a pump. Air-supply lines (13, 14) from the pump are attached to male parts (2) of connector (1). Air-supply lines (15, 16) from mattress (4) connect to passages (17, 18) of female parts (3) of the connector (1). When the male parts (2) and the female parts (3) are engaged, supply lines (13, 14) are in fluid communication with fluid lines (15, 16) via passages (17, 18) in the female part (3). When the male parts (2) are removed from the connector (1) to disconnect the air supply, one-way valves (7) seal the air-supply lines (13, 14) and expose a cross-connect port (8) in interconnecting the female part passages (17, 18). Thus cells (11, 12) are interconnected and the pressure is equalized throughout the mattress (4). The invention provides a self-sealing automatic transport mode connection system upon disengagement of the male parts (2) from the mattress (4), thus eliminating user error.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2002Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Huntleigh Technology LimitedInventor: Anthony George Smith
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Patent number: 7296593Abstract: A switching valve assembly 32 for use in a mixing faucet is disclosed. The switching valve assembly comprises a switching valve assembly 32 for use in a mixing faucet, which comprises a manual operation member 36 adapted to be moved in response to a pressing operation by a user, a push rod 35 having a base end joined to the manual operation member, a pilot valve 40 disposed relative to a distal end of the push rod, a coil spring 42 interposed between the pilot valve and the distal end of the push rod, a diaphragm main valve 46 having a pilot-valve port designed such that the pilot valve is selectively brought into contact therewith and separated therefrom, a pressure chamber 48 formed on the side of a back surface of the main valve to contain a part of the push rod, the pilot valve and the coil spring, and a valve seat 52 designed such that a front surface of the main valve is selectively seated thereon and unseated therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2003Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Toto Ltd.Inventors: Hideyuki Matsui, Osamu Tokunaga
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Patent number: 7270149Abstract: A rotary valve assembly has a valve body, a rotor and a plurality of guidance check valves. The valve body includes a valve seat longitudinally defining a bore through a center thereof. A plurality of valve oil passages and a main oil passage are respectively distributed radially around the bore. The rotor is movably received in the bore of the valve body. A plurality of guidance check valves is mounted in the valve oil passages. The rotor rotates to switch to a predetermined valve position by manual operation or electric power, where a predetermined oil supply path is precisely formed to supply oil to a predetermined valve communicating with a valve oil passage.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: Mediland Enterprise CorporationInventor: Jyh-Wei Liang
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Patent number: 7261117Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a diverter valve is comprised of a valve body with multiple inlet and outlet ports. The diverter valve is further comprised of two ceramic valve sections that can be rotated with respect to each other to allow the user to direct fluid entering the valve body to one of several outlet ports. According to a second embodiment, the diverter valve of the present invention further incorporates one or more of a flow regulator, a flow meter, and a check valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: Steve O. Mork, Michael J. Kosak, Bradley J. Pippel
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Patent number: 7261522Abstract: A fluid manifold usable with a welder and air compressor combination. The manifold is constructed of a single unitary manifold block and which is divided into two separate fluid communication systems that are isolated from each other by the manifold block itself. Each of the separate fluid communications systems provides various channels and external ports to access those fluid channels to enable the welder and air compressor combination to be more easily assembled and constructed by locating the manifold in a convenient location within the welder and air compressor combination and which has the necessary fluid channels and conduits already formed within the manifold so that the manufacturer or assembler can simply affix the proper fluid lines and system components to the manifold in carrying out the construction of the welder and air compressor combination and be assured that the proper fluid communication will be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Herbert A. Bankstahl, Joseph Gitter
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Patent number: 7247778Abstract: An addressable valve system is described wherein a plurality of valves are embedded into a single, compact valve block. Each valve comprises a piston moving in a bore in the block. A magnet embedded in the piston is positioned within a coil. When energized, the coil attracts the magnet and the plunger upwards away from a valve seat. Magnetic shields disposed between the pistons provide magnetic isolation between the pistons and simultaneously apply a closing force to the pistons by drawing the magnets downward towards the valve seat. When energized, the coils overwhelm the closing force and open the valves. Electronics for the valve block and the coils are provided on a circuit board overlying the pistons and bores. The electronics provide addressability of the valves and automatically generate “pick” and “hold” timing whereby the initial motivating force (voltage) applied to the current is higher to get the valves moving quickly when valve is first commanded to open.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Inventors: Spencer Chase, Eugene Peter Gerety
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Patent number: 7225832Abstract: A multi-valve manifold is provided, including a valve body having a periphery about which are placed a series of valves. At least one of the series of valves fits within a depression in the valve body.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: Phoenix PrecisionInventor: Edward Stamler
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Patent number: 7216528Abstract: There is provided a diaphragm sealed valve particularly advantageous in chromatographic systems. The valve is provided with first and second body and a seal member compressibly positioned therebetween. The first body comprises a first, a second and a common port, each opening and being interconnected to the others in a recessed fluid communication channel extending in a first interface of the first body. The valve is also provided with first and second plungers, each having a closed position wherein the plunger presses down the seal member against the seat of the corresponding port for closing said corresponding port, and an open position wherein the plunger extends away from the seat for allowing a fluid communication between the corresponding port and the channel. Complex valves are also provided as well as chromatographic systems and methods.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Mecanique Analytique Inc.Inventors: Yves Gamache, André Fortier
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Patent number: 7216663Abstract: A faucet assembly includes a diverter valve assembly mounted to an inlet of a cold-water pillar and is in fluid communication with a control valve disposed on a hot-water pillar. The diverter valve assembly selectively controls water flow through a spout and a hand spray. The faucet assembly includes a cold-water pillar and a hot-water pillar that are pivotally connected to a bridge that allows adjustment of a distance between the hot and cold-water pillars.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2004Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Brasstech Inc.Inventor: Vinh Vu
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Patent number: 7188641Abstract: A water valve assembly for bathroom faucets, comprising a water passage, an accommodating cavity and a flow diverting unit, whereby the flow pathway within a faucet can be adjusted. The accommodating cavity has a first cavity portion and a second cavity portion, the second cavity portion being connected to the water passage and provided with two water holes respectively connected to two water outlets. The flow diverting unit, being capable of rotating within the accommodating cavity, has a first end rotatably sealing the first cavity portion and a second end coupled to the outer body of the faucet by a limiting member, whereby the rotation of the flow diverting unit with respect to the accommodating cavity will be limited, and whereby a blocking member of the second end of the flow diverting unit can seal either of the water holes.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2005Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Inventor: Tsai Chen Yang
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Patent number: 7182858Abstract: A filter apparatus is provided which includes a first filter membrane element (40a), and a second bacterial filter membrane element. The first viral filter element (40a) is capable of treating water at a first second flow rate and is adapted to remove contaminants which are larger than a first size, while the second bacterial filter element (40b) is capable of treating water at a second higher flow rate and is adapted to remove contaminants which are larger than a second contaminant size. The first and second filter elements (40a), (40b) may be commonly housed within a sealed housing. An accumulating vessel (60) is placed in fluid communication with an outlet of the first filter element (40a) and an outlet of the second filter element (40b). The filter apparatus includes a duck bill type check valve (75) made of an antimicrobial material intermediate the second filter element (40b) and a dispensing faucet (70).Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Kinetico IncorporatedInventors: Keith E. Brown, Paul Peterson, Stuart Park, Ron Kindel, Eric Sklar, John Miller, Ken Weight
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Patent number: 7162884Abstract: A pressure and vacuum valve manifold system such as may be used, for example, to actuate pneumatic bladders controlling airflow in a forced air HVAC system to provide zone climate control. The valves are individually operable to connect a respective individual bladder to pressure or to vacuum. Two manifolds can be mated and commonly fed pressure and vacuum. The two manifolds can be of identical construction. One manifold chamber from each can be connected into a single large pressure manifold, and another manifold chamber from each can be connected into a single large vacuum manifold. Such connections can be made with fittings which also serve as pressure and vacuum relief valves, respectively. The valve plungers are arranged in a grid, enabling a simple X-Y two-motor servo system to actuate all the valves, one at a time.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2004Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Home Comfort ZonesInventor: Harold Gene Alles
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Patent number: 7150299Abstract: A fluid control and gas delivery assembly and method for containing, receiving and storing hazardous fluids and for dispensing gas comprising a container, a fluid fill path, a gas dispensing path, a first shut-off valve, a pressure reducer, a fluid flow restrictor, a second shut-off valve and a fluid outlet connector. The first shut-off valve is positioned in said gas dispensing path upstream of a pressure reducer. A fluid flow restrictor downstream of the pressure reducer has a fluid flow restriction path configured to restrict the flow of the fluid delivered to the fluid flow restrictor at the delivery pressure to a maximum mass flow rate that is equal to or less than the allowable mass flow rate standard for the hazardous fluid. The second shut-off valve is positioned in said gas dispensing path downstream of said pressure reducer.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2003Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin Lee Hertzler, Robert Harrison Shay, Alexandre de Almeida Botelho
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Patent number: 7143785Abstract: High-density microfluidic chips contain plumbing networks with thousands of micromechanical valves and hundreds of individually addressable chambers. These fluidic devices are analogous to electronic integrated circuits fabricated using large scale integration (LSI). A component of these networks is the fluidic multiplexor, which is a combinatorial array of binary valve patterns that exponentially increases the processing power of a network by allowing complex fluid manipulations with a minimal number of inputs. These integrated microfluidic networks can be used to construct a variety of highly complex microfluidic devices, for example the microfluidic analog of a comparator array, and a microfluidic memory storage device resembling electronic random access memories.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2003Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Sebastian J. Maerkl, Todd A. Thorsen, Xiaoyan Bao, Stephen R. Quake, Vincent Studer
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Patent number: 7118910Abstract: A variety of elastomeric-based microfluidic devices and methods for using and manufacturing such devices are provided. Certain of the devices have arrays of reaction sites to facilitate high throughput analyses. Some devices also include reaction sites located at the end of blind channels at which reagents have been previously deposited during manufacture. The reagents become suspended once sample is introduced into the reaction site. The devices can be utilized with a variety of heating devices and thus can be used in a variety of analyses requiring temperature control, including thermocycling applications such as nucleic acid amplification reactions, genotyping and gene expression analyses.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Marc Unger, Ian D. Manger, Michael Lucero, Yong Yi, Emily Miyashita-Lin, Anja Weinecke, Geoffrey Facer
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Patent number: 7114522Abstract: An adapter manifold comprising a first dual valve block having a first diaphragm valve and a second diaphragm valve; a first, a second, and a third low dead space connector for connecting the adapter manifold with dual valve block to the remaining portions of the chemical delivery system; a first conduit for connecting both the diaphragm side of the first diaphragm valve and the seat side of the second diaphragm valves to the first low dead space connector; a second conduit for connecting the seat side of the first diaphragm valve to the second low dead space connector; and a third conduit for connecting the diaphragm side of the second diaphragm valve to the third low dead space connector.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Inventor: David James Silva
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Patent number: 7100636Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Inventor: Nelson J. King
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Patent number: 7096879Abstract: A pillar sink mixer has a hot water faucet pillar, a cold water faucet pillar, a mixing chamber and a diverter valve to supply mixed water to a faucet nozzle or to a hand spray. The mixing chamber and diverter valve are positioned in a bridge above a mounting surface, and a passage, providing fluid communication with the hand spray device, being incorporated within the bridge and a faucet pillar.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2003Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Avilion LimitedInventor: Duncan Yardley
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Patent number: 7073531Abstract: A valve block (1) for a dosing device with an arrangement of piston pipettes (2) or other dosingdevices, includes, on its one face, a pattern of first mouths (15) to be aligned with the arrangement of piston pipettes (2) and, on the opposite face, second mouths (16) each respectively assigned to a first mouth (15). The valve block (1) also includes a plurality of channel systems (20) each with a main connector (23). The valve block (1) has a plurality of plates (10, 11, 12, 13) arranged in a stack. All plates define through holes (14), which are arranged in the pattern of the first mouths (15). At least a part of the plates (11, 12, 13) also have a channel system (20) with channels (21) connected with the main connector (23), wherein the channels (21) form a pattern, which is matched to the pattern of the through holes (14) and which is laterally displaced relative to this pattern.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2002Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: EPR Labautomation AGInventor: Ernst Burgisser
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Patent number: 7059348Abstract: An implantable drug delivery system has a housing, a collapsible reservoir, a microfabricated flow channel, and at least one magnet. The collapsible reservoir is disposed in the housing. The microfabricated flow channel is connected at one end to the collapsible reservoir and opens at an external surface of the housing. The magnet is disposed within the housing adjacent a membrane defining the flow channel and is movable in response to a magnetic force to deflect the membrane into the flow channel for inhibiting drug flow from the collapsible reservoir to the external surface of the housing, and for pumping drug flow from the collapsible reservoir to the external surface of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2003Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Fluidigm CorporationInventor: Avtar S. Nat
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Patent number: 7032614Abstract: A facilities connection box is provided to accommodate pre-plumbing of facilities lines required in connection with an installation of semiconductor device manufacturing equipment. The facilities connection box accommodates termination of double-containment facilities lines that are adapted to carry hazardous materials required for operation of the semiconductor device manufacturing equipment. Each double-containment facilities line is terminated in an isolation compartment of the facilities connection box. Each isolation compartment has an entry port adapted to couple to an incoming double-containment line and an exit port adapted to permit egress from the isolation compartment of a respective outgoing line.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2003Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Alan Rick Lappen, Ronald V. Schauer
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Patent number: 7025080Abstract: An improved cross over valve for use in conjunction with inflatable devices such as life rafts, escape slides, white water rafts, kayaks, etc. The invention is specifically a cross over valve for inflatable rafts and the like where the valve fluidly connects at least two separate compartments in the inflatable device thereby allowing inflation of the multiple compartments while also providing control of fluid flow therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2002Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Inventors: Lloyd G. Wass, Robert Venne
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Patent number: 7013911Abstract: An improved valve and manifold for use in conjunction with inflatable devices such as life rafts, escape slides, white water rafts, kayaks, etc. The invention is specifically an internal cross over valve for inflatable rafts and the like where the valve fluidly connects at least two separate compartments in the inflatable device thereby allowing inflation of the multiple compartments while also providing control of fluid flow therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2002Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Inventors: Lloyd G. Wass, Corey Krantz
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Patent number: 6981517Abstract: A gas supply system for pulse-wise feeding a reactant gas to a reactor, the gas supply system comprising: a first valve being a four-port diaphragm valve; a second valve which in an open state brings the first port into fluid communication with an exhaust and in a closed state closes off said fluid communication; wherein the gas supply system provides a reactant flow state in which the first valve is in an open state and the second valve is in a closed state, and wherein the gas supply system provides a purge state in which the first valve is closed and the second valve is in a open state. Also disclosed are a method of switching a process fluid by operating a gas supply system according to the invention and a valve assembly for use in such a gas supply system.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2004Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: ASM International N.V.Inventor: Gert-Jan Snijders
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Patent number: 6973937Abstract: A valve device includes a receptacle having an upper and a lower ports for coupling to sprayer devices, a front wall having a lower opening, an upper housing attached the front wall for allowing water to flow from the housing into the receptacle, the receptacle includes a vertical partition to separate an interior into a front and a rear chambers which are communicating with the housing and the rear chamber of the receptacle. The vertical partition includes a lower aperture formed by a valve seat. A lateral stem includes a plug slidable to engage with the valve seat of the vertical partition, or to block the lower opening of the front wall, to effectively control the water to flow out through the upper or the lower ports of the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Inventor: Tsai Chen Yang
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Patent number: 6941965Abstract: A fluid flow control system that includes a fluid inlet to receive a flow of process fluid and a plurality of fluid outlets. The plurality of fluid outlets include a first fluid outlet and at least one second fluid outlet. The first fluid outlet provides a first predetermined portion of the flow of process fluid, and the at least one second fluid outlet provides the remaining portion of the flow of process fluid. In one embodiment, the control system includes a pressure transducer, first and second multipliers, and first and second flow controllers. The first multiplier multiplies a pressure signal received from the pressure transducer by a first setpoint to control a first flow controller that provides the first predetermined portion of the flow of process fluid. The second multiplier multiplies the pressure signal by a second setpoint to control a second flow controller that provides the remaining portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2004Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Celerity, Inc.Inventors: John M. Lull, William S. Valentine
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Patent number: 6935368Abstract: A cold-hot water faucet includes a main tube and a shaft tube fitted rotatably into the main tube. The main tube is provided with a valve chamber and two fastening ports for fastening respectively with a cold water pipe and a hot water pipe. A ball valve is rotatably disposed in the valve chamber. The shaft tube is provided with a plurality of through holes corresponding in location to the ball valve and is further provided with two selection holes corresponding respectively to the fastening ports of the main tube. The on-off mechanism of the faucet is brought about by the ball valve and a rotary knob by which the ball valve is turned. The cold-hot water adjustment mechanism of the faucet is effected by the shaft tube and a selector by which the shaft tube is turned in relation to the main tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Inventor: Jen-Chieh Lee
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Patent number: 6926084Abstract: An apparatus for transferring hydrocarbons from a subsea source to a vessel, wherein the risers are suspended from a rotating body and communicate with a swivel unit including a number of swivel rings having outlets connected to a pipe system on the vessel. The apparatus includes a block arranged between the risers and the swivel unit and provided with interior ducts for connection of the risers with respective swivel rings, and a device for selective closing of the ducts are arranged between the risers and the swivel unit. The device is integrated in the block. In an advantageous embodiment, the block is also provided with a device for selective interconnection of two or more of the ducts in the block.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Framo Engineering ASInventor: Jostein Erstad
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Patent number: 6920892Abstract: A side spray diverter valve with anti-siphoning and flow regulation of the water diverted to the spray head. A ported valve plunger sliding in a sleeve admits water from the inlet to the spout in one position while a lower O-ring seals the spray outlet. In the other position, the sleeve has axially directed ports which screen and trap particulates in the water over a predetermined size. The flow rate of screened water to the spray is regulated by the lower O-ring pressing against grooves in the wall of the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2003Date of Patent: July 26, 2005Assignee: Neoperl, Inc.Inventors: Frank Agresta, Frederick L. Luedke