With Flow Control Patents (Class 137/605)
  • Patent number: 6776186
    Abstract: A tool assembly for connection to a charging inlet tube of a fluid receiving system, and for evacuating and dispensing a charging fluid to the fluid receiving system. The tool assembly includes a tool housing having an upper and a lower housing half and including a plurality of internal valve components. The internal valve components are assembled in sliding engagement with each other within the tool housing and are held in assembled engagement by assembly of the upper and lower housing halves together whereby the tool assembly may be quickly disassembled and assembled for replacement of components. Fluid flow through the tool assembly is directed by an inner body positioned between the upper and lower housing halves, and vacuum and fluid charging is controlled by a vacuum control poppet and fluid control poppet, respectively, which poppets are longitudinally moveable relative to the inner body and to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Machine Design Specialists, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark D. Swinford
  • Patent number: 6758232
    Abstract: A steam conditioning system including a steam conditioning valve 1 for depressurizing and desuperheating steam S by supplying moisture W in the conditioning valve. A discharge pipe 3 connected to the steam conditioning valve 1 has a horizontal section 3a, and the horizontal arrangement section 3a is provided with a moisture drain 4 or at a portion near the bottom. Condensed moisture W1 is extracted from this moisture drain 4 and is recycled as moisture W to be supplied to the steam S in the conditioning valve 1. The steam conditioning valve 1 further has a reduced annular section 9 with a nozzle 5a disposed therein for injecting subcooled water mist W. A transport conduit 5 connects the drain 4 to nozzle 5a. Moisture W is drawn into steam flow S due to the Venturi effect caused by the pressure drop through the reduced annular section 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Higuchi
  • Patent number: 6752172
    Abstract: An apparatus for the supply or branching off of a secondary flow into or out of a main flow of a medical fluid, including a fluid guide body in which at least one main passage open to one side and at least one secondary passage opening into the main passage are provided. A covering film is disposed on the fluid guide body above the open side of the main passage. The orifice of the secondary passage into the main passage can be closed by the covering film. In order to improve the haemocompatibility of the apparatus, the main passage is formed free of wake space in the region of the orifice of the secondary passage. To reduce flow losses, the secondary passage in the main passage has a streamlined outer contour in accordance with the invention corresponding to the flow direction of the main flow in the main passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Lauer
  • Patent number: 6748973
    Abstract: A valve means for a flow pipe includes a cylindrical or sleeve like body part having a length which is longer than the extension of the flow opening in the flow pipe. The body part is fastenable to the flow pipe or to a branch part of the flow pipe by a connecting means, whereby the connecting means comprises a first flange extending in a first direction of the flow pipe and a second flange extending in a direction opposite to the first direction of the flow pipe, said first and second flanges being fastened to the body part. The body part is made of a flexible structure in order to provide for the valve function in a simple manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Evac International Oy
    Inventor: Gunnar Lindroos
  • Patent number: 6715505
    Abstract: A steam pressure reducing and conditioning valve comprising a first port 21 for inflowing superheated steam S, a body 23 having a cylindrical diffuser with bottom 22 where small holes 22a are scattered on the side, and a second port 24 for discharging depressurized steam S1 by the diffuser and supplying moisture W from one or more nozzles 35 to the depressurized steam S1, wherein a protrusion 26 projects inward in a vapor discharge path 29 of the body 23 between the diffuser 22 and the moisture supply section 25, and it is so structured that the depressurized steam S1 exiting from the small hole 22a is concentrated into the body 23 by this protrusion 26, made to pass inside the protrusion 26, increasing the velocity of steam S1, and then desuperheated by supplying the steam S1 with subcooled water W.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Higuchi
  • Publication number: 20040050430
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a high pressure fluid processing device for shearing particles in a fluid mixture. The fluid processing device makes use of annular flow paths. For example, a fluid mixture can be separated into two flow paths which are introduced to first and second annular flow paths on opposite sides of a flow path cylinder. The two annular flow paths flow toward one another through the cylinder, and meet one another within the cylinder. An outlet extends through the cylinder where the two annular flow paths collide allowing the fluid mixture flowing down the annular flow paths to be expelled through the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Mark Serafin, Neal K. Nelson, Stanley R. Ellis
  • Patent number: 6585708
    Abstract: In a system which utilizes an endoscope and irrigation fluid during surgery within a body orifice, and in which irrigation fluid is withdrawn via a principal path into a suction canister, there is a substantially constant suction and withdrawal rate from the operative site to limit absorption of irrigation fluid within the patient, because a bifurcated flow path that leads to the suction canister not only from the endoscope but also from a drain bag receiving overflow from the body orifice via a tailored drape includes a substantially greater flow impedance in the drain bag path. The common suction line joined to the endoscope line and the drain bag line draws a flow through the endoscope that predominates, to maintain substantially constant withdrawal of irrigation fluid via that path, and substantially eliminates the possibility of loss of suction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Armand Maaskamp
  • Patent number: 6530396
    Abstract: A valve coupler for delivering air into a propane tank for converting a propane tank to a portable pressurized air tank. The device includes a tubular member having a first end, a second end and a peripheral wall. The tubular member has an elongated hole extending therethrough. The tubular member has a first portion, a second portion and a middle portion. The first portion abuts the first end and defines a male coupler having a threaded outer surface. The hole in the second portion has a threaded inner wall and defines a female coupler. The peripheral wall of the middle portion has a first aperture therein extending into the hole. The first aperture is threaded. The male coupler may be coupled to a propane tank valve. A valve is removably positioned in and threadably coupled to the first aperture for delivering air into the propane tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Inventor: Donald D. Frey
  • Publication number: 20020092572
    Abstract: A steam pressure reducing and conditioning valve comprising a first port 21 for inflowing superheated steam S1, a body 23 having a cylindrical diffuser with bottom 22 where small holes 22a are scattered on the side, and a second port 24 for discharging depressurized steam S1 by said diffuser and supplying moisture W from one or more nozzles 35 to the depressurized steam S1, wherein a protrusion 26 projects inward in a vapor discharge path 29 of said body 23 between the diffuser 22 and the moisture supply section 25, and it is so structured that the depressurized steam S1 exiting from said small hole 22a is concentrated into the body 23 by this protrusion 26, made to pass inside said protrusion 26, increasing the velocity of steam S1, and then desuperheated by supplying the steam S1 with subcooled water W.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Higuchi
  • Patent number: 6390125
    Abstract: A manually-operated valve is provided in series with an electromagnetically-operated valve and the manually-operated valve is provided with a proximity detector connected to the electronic controller whereby a switch in the manually-operated valve, in one position of the single control lever therefor, corresponding to about 50% of maximum supply rate, is operated to activate the proximity sensor and enable the water flow to be controlled by an object within its detection range. Removal of the object, e.g. the hand of the user from the range, will shut off the water through the manually-operated valve. Outside the position of the lever at which the switch is operated, the proximity detector is ineffective and control is effected exclusively by swinging the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Pawelzik, Hans-Jürgen Ludewig, Wolfgang Gebhardt, Hartwig Philipps-Liebich
  • Publication number: 20020043638
    Abstract: An improved microvalve device is configured to provide a more robust and durable operation to withstand the demands of various operating environments. The microvalve may comprise a valve seat and a diaphragm, with the diaphragm operated by an external actuator device, such as a bladder, through various mechanisms of actuation, such as direct and indirect mechanisms, that are separate from the microvalve. Through use of the various mechanisms of actuation, the actuator device is configured to apply forces on the diaphragm to suitably move the diaphragm to open and close the microvalve. The valve seat and diaphragm can be configured to provide the microvalve with a plurality of openings configured to permit flow thereinbetween. In addition, the microvalve may be configured to facilitate uni-directional or bi-directional flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Imin Kao, Robert P. Wong, Thomas J. Cassar
  • Patent number: 6357478
    Abstract: A suction control regulator for a suction cleaner, comprising: a y-shaped housing having an inlet and an outlet, and a regulator section; a valve mount positioned in the regulator section; a valve having a stem adapted to be received in the valve mount; a window in the regulator section; and a cap having a tapered bore engaging the valve, and a threads adapted to engage the regulator section such that rotation of the cap seals or opens the window and the tapered bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Letro Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanford Campbell, Suresh Cherulassery Gopalan
  • Patent number: 6325886
    Abstract: A method of attaching a micromechanical fluid control device to a substrate includes the steps of forming a first ring of a first adhesive around an aperture defined between a micromechanical fluid control device and a substrate. The first adhesive forms a first interface between the micromechanical fluid control device and the substrate that is clean and corrosion resistant. A second ring of a second adhesive is applied around the first ring. The second adhesive forms a second interface between the micromechanical fluid control device and the substrate that is hermetic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Redwood Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Harris, Michael J. Selser, Walter A. Weber
  • Patent number: 6318403
    Abstract: The present invention disclosed and claimed herein comprises, in one aspect thereof, a combination manifold and check valve assembly for a water heater unit which includes a temperature and pressure relief valve and a drain pan. The assembly comprises a manifold body having a first inlet opening, a second inlet opening, and an outlet opening which are in fluid communication. The first inlet opening is adapted for connection to the outlet of a temperature and pressure relief valve. The second inlet opening is adapted for connection to the outlet of a drain pan. The outlet opening is adapted for connection to a drain line. A valve member is disposed within the manifold body between the first inlet opening and the second inlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Sammy G. Fritz
  • Publication number: 20010013363
    Abstract: An apparatus for feeding gases for use in semiconductor manufacturing reduced in size and manufacturing costs and facilitating maintenance and operation of the gas supply system. The apparatus comprises a plurality of gas supply sources, gas source valves provided on the gas lead-out pipes from the respective gas supply sources, flow rate controllers provided on main gas feed pipes into which the lead-out pipes converge, and gas supply valves provided on the outlet side of the flow rate controllers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Inventors: Hirofumi Kitayama, Yoichi Kurono, Nobukazu Ikeda, Naoya Masuda
  • Patent number: 6267142
    Abstract: A solution delivery system for use with a wafer preparation system is provided. The solution deliver system includes a de-ionized water (DIW) dispense drawer having an input for receiving an initial flow of DIW from a facility water supply. The DIW dispense drawer further includes a first pressure regulator for stabilizing the initial flow of DIW and producing a substantially steady flow of DIW as a DIW output of the DIW dispense drawer. A chemical drawer is also provided as part of the solution delivery system. The chemical drawer is configured to receive the substantially steady flow of DIW from the DIW dispense drawer. The chemical drawer is further configured to receive an initial flow of chemicals from a chemical source. The chemical drawer also includes a second pressure regulator for stabilizing the initial flow of chemicals from the chemical source and thus producing a substantially steady flow of chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Larry Ping-Kwan Wong, John Martin deLarios
  • Patent number: 6267820
    Abstract: An injection valve is provided with vibration to dislodge residue therefrom and to thus avoid injection valve clogging. A wave generator which preferably generates an ultrasonic sine wave, is operatively coupled to the vaporization region of the injection valve (i.e., via the injection block, via a piezoelectric valve controller, etc.). The wave may be applied to the injection valve whenever vaporization takes place, in which case a removable trap is coupled between the injection valve and the processing chamber. Alternatively, the sonic wave may be applied to the injection valve only in conjunction with a chamber cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Chen-An Chen, Won Bang
  • Patent number: 6223949
    Abstract: The present invention includes a spinning valve having an inner valve portion and an outer valve portion, and having multiple inlets and multiple chambers at different heights along the longitudinal axis of the inner valve portion. The present invention also includes a spinning valve having an inner valve portion and an outer valve portion, with multiple inlets at the same height along the longitudinal axis of the inner valve portion with single or multiple chambers at that location along the longitudinal axis. In each of these valves, the inner valve portion is adapted to spin within the outer valve portion. Additionally, the present invention includes an apparatus for dispensing two or more discrete streams of fluid into a series of containers by using one of the aforementioned valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Norse Dairy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Spencer, Eric Rousculp
  • Patent number: 6082398
    Abstract: A device for regulating the flow of gases having substantially different molar masses, comprisingan always-open feed line connected to a gas source at a defined pressure and to an apparatusa first calibrated restriction placed in the feed line,a bypass line connected via at least one of its two ends to a valve of a branching valve or a 4-way valve, placed in the feed line, and via the other end to a point of connection to the feed line, the valve being switchable between a first position for bringing the feed line into communication with the bypass line and a second position for isolating the bypass line from the feed line, anda second calibrated restriction placed in the bypass line, the first calibrated restriction being placed on the feed line portion lying between the valve and the point of connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Girard, Alain Mail, Yves Marot
  • Patent number: 6035644
    Abstract: A combustion gas turbine control valve for regulating the inlet temperature of an indirect fired gas turbine at the turbine expander inlet and is useful in indirect fired gas turbine power generation systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: HPS Merrimac
    Inventors: Paul G. LaHaye, Wendell C. Drown, John L. Seger
  • Patent number: 6000418
    Abstract: A fluid mixing system and a method of using same for maintaining uniform concentrations of fluid chemical additives in a dilutant, in which the system includes a multi-port aspirator device including a venturi having a venturi inlet for receiving dilutant and a venturi outlet of reduced diameter for discharging said dilutant, a dilutant injector source fluidly coupled to said multi-port aspirator device for delivering a dilutant at a dilutant pressure thereto, and a plurality of injectate sources fluidly connected to the aspirator device at or immediately downstream said venturi outlet, wherein each said injectate source is capable of independently varying pressure at said a multi-port venturi injector with respect to said dilutant pressure. The use of the inventive fluid mixing system also provides a facile and accurate means of injecting required volumes of wet chemicals into a flowing stream of a carrier fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick W. Kern, Jr., William A. Syverson
  • Patent number: 5964238
    Abstract: Condensate discharge line treatment to keep the line open, or to clear it if clogged. A valve is inserted into the discharge line and provided with an alternative inlet to receive flushing liquid. The valve inlet from the upstream part of the condensate discharge line is blocked by a valve member from time to time in favor of flow of the flushing liquid via the alternative inlet into the valve and out through the outlet into the downstream part of the condensate discharge line. The flushing liquid may contain a cleaning composition or even an algicide, which may be injected by manually or mechanically squeezing a flexible container of it to inject it into the flow of flushing liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Beth Good Junkin
    Inventor: Ronald C. Junkin
  • Patent number: 5941280
    Abstract: A valve device for reducing the brake pipe pressure in a railroad train brake pipe at a location remote from a train locomotive including a pair of valves, a first valve to controllably vent brake pipe pressure from the brake pipe for purposes of service brake applications and a second valve to quickly vent brake pipe pressure from the brake pipe at a relatively high rate for purposes of emergency brake applications, and a pneumatic drive means to open the first valve in response to a controlled supply pressure and open the second valve in response to an emergency supply pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventors: James E. Hart, Angel P. Bezos
  • Patent number: 5937886
    Abstract: A method of delivering a pure gas charged with a predetermined quantity of at least one gaseous impurity to an apparatus, comprising the steps of mixing at least two different auxiliary gases, including the impurity to form a mixture, diluting a sampled quantity of the mixture in the pure gas in a predetermined manner, delivering the pure gas charged with the impurity to the apparatus, wherein the auxiliary gases are stored in a reservoir in the form of a mixture of known composition, most of the auxiliary gases in the mixture having volume concentrations substantially of the same order of magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Girard, Alain Mail, Yves Marot
  • Patent number: 5924449
    Abstract: A hot and cold water mixing device which comprises one or more valve units each constituted by accommodating an operating member within a hollow casing, and a housing into which the one or more valve units are inserted and arranged and in which two primary water passages communicating with a hot water supply source and a cold water supply source, respectively, are formed. The housing is composed of an outer housing (1) and an inner housing (2) which is inserted into the outer housing and which is formed with water holes (11,12,13) communicating with said valve units, and at least two primary water passages (5,6) are formed between the outer housing and the inner housing by separating members (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Enoki, Toshihide Ushita, Hideyuki Matsui
  • Patent number: 5890516
    Abstract: A disposable device for controlling the rate of suction to and from a bodily organ, such as the stomach, during a lavage procedure that involves the use of a movable controller that slides back and forth over an opening in the main body of the device. The interior opening of the device which is placed in a flowline that extends from the stomach upstream to a downstream collection vessel has a tapered flow path that allows for the uninterrupted flow of pill fragments or stomach contents through the flowline. A lateral flow path that extends from an opening in the exterior of the main body to the main flow path enables an operator to vary the suction pressure to or from the patient by varying the size of the exterior opening through the use of the movable controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Anthony R. Talamonti
  • Patent number: 5852990
    Abstract: A waste heat boiler for cooling a hot process stream includes a plurality of heat exchanging tubes within a cylindrical shell, an outlet chamber for withdrawing the cooled process stream, an insulated by-pass tube having an outlet end in the outlet chamber, and an injection nozzle in the outlet chamber for control of flow of the hot process stream through the by-bass tube by injection of a fluid into the by-pass tube outlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/S
    Inventor: Ivar Ivarsen Primdahl
  • Patent number: 5832944
    Abstract: A valve for a steam turbine includes a valve housing having a sealing seat disposed therein which interacts with a sealing piece, a valve spindle for actuating the sealing piece, and a drive for actuating the valve spindle. The drive includes an electric motor which interacts with the valve spindle through an electromagnetically actuated coupling and acts upon an energy accumulator. A method is also provided for actuating the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Lindner
  • Patent number: 5830352
    Abstract: A reagent delivery system comprises an axial hub passing through the center of two equal-diameter, spaced apart discs, wherein the hub and discs are positioned in a sleeve such that an annular reagent chamber is provided. When the sleeve is moved in either an up or down axial direction the so-formed chamber is opened and the reagent is released. Such a regent delivery system is particularly useful in a centrifuge for concentrating or preparing blood products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventor: Niels Erik Holm
  • Patent number: 5817068
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of fluids between a main conduit and a plurality of secondary conduits includes a valve body having a wall defining a cylindrical bore, the wall having a plurality of ports in respective flow communications with the main conduit and the secondary conduits, and a valve element rotatably disposed within the cylindrical bore of the valve body. The valve element body has internal flow paths with openings flush with a peripheral surface of the valve element body and a channel in flow communication with one of the flow paths, the channel having an opening extending from one of the openings of one of the internal flow paths. In addition, one of the internal flow paths has an enlarged opening to accommodate flow through the channel. The valve element and valve body cooperate to permit fluid flow between the main conduit and a selected one of the secondary conduits by rotating the valve element to align the openings of the channel and the flow paths relative to the ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Hector Urrutia
  • Patent number: 5771914
    Abstract: A flexible fluid junction that links three or more fluid ducts is provided. The junction includes a pair of flexible webs with at least three tubes or fluid ducts disposed between the flexible webs. The outer periphery of the webs is sealed together and around the tubes to define a chamber. An end of each tube terminates inside the chamber so that fluid may flow from each tube through the chamber. Still further, a method of manufacturing a flexible fluid junction and a method of using a flexible fluid junction are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. K. Ling, Lecon Woo, Eric J. Henaut, Patrick Balteau, Eric P. Loh, Francesco Peluso, Alphonse Heremans, Ying-Cheng Lo, Marc Bellotti, Rafael A. Castellanos, Robin Peters
  • Patent number: 5765585
    Abstract: The method and apparatus of this disclosure are directed to a system for diluting a sample gas. For example, the sample gas may carry excessive water which creates difficulties in analysis. The apparatus includes an inlet line, a control valve which switches through several positions to provide 1, 2 or 3 decades of dilutions and each decade is defined by a flow through a restricted orifice calibrated to a specified flow volume. The sample is diluted with the dilution flow which is furnished through a similar orifice, but that orifice is replicated in a ratio of N:1. The N orifices provide the cumulative dilution flow which is commingle with the sample. Two more decades can be switched to obtain a wide range of dilution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Roger Peterson
  • Patent number: 5720315
    Abstract: A regulator for maintaining a constant partial vacuum in a region, such as in a piece of process equipment or a fume hood. The regulator includes a path, through which fluid passes from the region to the vacuum source, and a movably mounted piston. The piston is disposed in the path so that the piston may constrict the path at a constriction point. Fluid in the path upstream of the constriction point exerts a pressure on the frontal face of the piston that tends widen the path at the constriction point. The piston is mounted so that the weight of the piston exerts a force on the piston in a direction that tends to widen the path at the constriction point. A force is exerted on the piston, preferably by a spring under compression, in a direction that tends to narrow the path at the constriction point. A buffering gas, introduced to the area between the piston's skirt and the piston mounting structure, may be used to keep noxious fumes from backing up into the environment and/or to provide an efficient bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: David W. Palmer
  • Patent number: 5685342
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a first fluid into a second fluid, comprising a housing having a flow-through chamber for the second fluid, a throttling body in the flow-through chamber, and inlet and outlet passages to enable flow of the second fluid to and from, respectively, the flow-through chamber. The throttling body is arranged with elements which are able to displace the throttling body between a position in which the throttling body blocks the inlet passage and a position in which the inlet passage is open. The apparatus is also provided with holes for introducing the first fluid, preferably into, or immediately in front of, the inlet passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping Technologies, AB
    Inventor: Rolf Ekholm
  • Patent number: 5463986
    Abstract: A valve apparatus for controlling fluid flow includes a valve housing, a piston member which reciprocates within the housing between a first position and a second position, and a biasing member. The piston member includes a piston shaft having a longitudinal axis. The piston shaft has a proximal portion which recesses into the valve housing when the piston member is in the first position and extends out of the valve housing when the piston member is in the second position. The proximal portion includes a plurality of cut-outs therethrough. The cut-outs allow a restricted flow of fluid to flow through the piston shaft in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft when the piston member is in the second position. The piston shaft also has a rear surface which receives pressure thereagainst for causing the piston member to extend out of the housing. The biasing member biases the piston member towards the first position as a result of a biasing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hollis
  • Patent number: 5437301
    Abstract: An inflation and deflation device especially adapted for use with dunnage air bags includes a cylindrical valve body possessing a first end mounted for relative rotation within a hollow interior cylindrical portion of a valve actuator. An internal spring biases a valve seat radially outwardly into engagement with an internal cylindrical side wall portion of the valve actuator. Rotation of the valve actuator selectively aligns air exhaust passages of the valve seat and the valve actuator to deflate an associated dunnage air bag. The valve body includes air passages connecting a compressed air source to the dunnage bag for selective inflation and to allow use of the compressed air source to provide a relatively high velocity air stream across an air passage connected to the dunnage bag to facilitate deflation of the bag by inducing a vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Sunrise Arkansas, Inc.
    Inventor: J. W. Ramsey
  • Patent number: 5431185
    Abstract: A fluid manifold includes a housing having a first inlet and an outlet and a plurality of inlets intermediate the first inlet and the outlet which are provided with check valve action to prevent retrograde flow through the valved inlets, yet allow individual inlets to pass fluid when the fluid pressure in any individual inlet exceeds that of the interior of the chamber by a predetermined cracking pressure. The check valve action is provided by a single resilient backcheck member which is deformably urged against annular valve seats by support members embodied in the housing opposite and central to the valved inlets. A conventional injection site may be provided in the housing so that additional fluids may be injected into the interior of the manifold through an inserted cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Assignee: Pacific Device Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Shannon, Donald H. Koenig
  • Patent number: 5425394
    Abstract: The invention relates to a shower control valve assembly which includes a casing mountable in a wall with inlets for hot and cold water. A cartridge is insertable into the casing in one of two orientations so that the hot water inlet of the cartridge can be aligned with either one of the casing inlets, depending on which one is the hot water inlet. The casing has two outlets, one for the shower and the other for the tub. There is an integral bypass which takes water from the tub outlet to the shower outlet upon activation of a diverter valve. The cartridge is of the pressure and temperature balancing type, with water of the desired temperature flowing to the tub outlet and then to the tub or shower as desired. Each water inlet in the cartridge includes a check valve which, in one position allows water to enter the cartridge, and in the other position prevents water from leaving the cartridge through the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Danfoss Manufacturing Company Limited
    Inventor: Manamohan Clare
  • Patent number: 5419924
    Abstract: Fixed amounts of a liquid source for a chemical vapor deposition process is supplied continuously from a source tank and through a liquid mass flow controller to a three-way valve. Inside the three-way valve, the liquid source is evaporated to generate a source gas by contacting a high-temperature carrier gas which flows therethrough and becomes mixed with the source gas. The gas mixture thus generated is supplied into a process chamber for a chemical vapor deposition process. The carrier gas may be heated by a gas heater before entering the three-way valve. Alternatively, the three-way valve may be enclosed inside a thermostatic container, the carrier gas being heated inside the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Makoto Nagashima, Hiroshi Nishizato, Hirofumi Ono
  • Patent number: 5386849
    Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly including a diaphragm assembly which is conformed to the poppet and which moves therewith. The poppet is integral with or mounted to the pole piece of the solenoid. The poppet is shaped to conform to the shape of the valve seat. The valve seat has an annular groove to allow flushing of the valve in both open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: South Bend Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon P. Gilchrist, William C. Klebusch
  • Patent number: 5370624
    Abstract: A catheter having a side port for selective infusion of fluids is disclosed. The side port may be deactivated so that the catheter can be used as a non-side port catheter. The side port is rotable about the catheter housing to; block off access to the catheter lumen from the side port when the side port is deactivated. The catheter is also provided with a valve to facilitate the selective infusion of fluid from the side port into the catheter lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Floyd V. Edwards, Gerald H. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5333643
    Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly including a diaphragm assembly which is conformed to the poppet and which moves therewith. The poppet is integral with or mounted to the pole piece of the solenoid. The poppet is shaped to conform to the shape of the valve seat. The diaphragm is preferably elastomeric and stretchable to create a wiping motion against the valve seat when the solenoid is deactivated. The valve seat may also have an annular groove to allow flushing of the valve in both open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: South Bend Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon P. Gilchrist, William C. Klebusch
  • Patent number: 5294045
    Abstract: A temperature and flow rate controller consisting of a first bank of three-port solenoid-actuated valves for temperature control in series with a second bank of two-port on/off solenoid valves for flow rate control. Each three-port valve has two input ports connected to a cold and a hot stream source, respectively, and an output port connected to a common discharge chamber wherein the throughput from all valves is mixed and reaches an average temperature. These valves are always open, either to the cold or the hot source, and the temperature of the combined discharge is set by the relative position of each valve in the bank; therefore, the total flow rate through the first bank of valves remains constant regardless of the valve settings required to yield the desired temperature. The output of the first bank of valves is regulated by the second bank of on/off valves, which is disposed in series therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Inventor: Kevin R. Harris
  • Patent number: 5267585
    Abstract: A flow control valve is disclosed wherein a deformable elastomeric element is positioned at least partially within the flow path of a fluid passing between an inlet and an outlet. By deforming the elastomeric element, the cross-section of the flow path of the fluid is changed, thereby controlling the flow of fluid through the flow control valve. The elastomeric element may be of various standard configurations and is easy and inexpensive to replace in the event of excessive wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: BOC Health Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas C. Jones
  • Patent number: 5250267
    Abstract: An integrated jet scrubber and particulate collection device for removing sulfur oxides and other contaminants from combustion flue gas and also for removing particulates from this gas, such operations occurring in a single, integrated unit or assembly. In some instances, this combination device may be located in the lower portion of a chimney or stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Dennis W. Johnson, Robert B. Myers, Donald P. Tonn
  • Patent number: 5106285
    Abstract: A delivery system for dispersing either hot air or water uniformly to the outer surface of a shell mold used for forming a thin molded shell, for the respective fusion and cooling phases thereof. The delivery system includes a plurality of distributors, each having a central water inlet surrounded by an axially adjustable outer shell, with the latter having a frusto-conically shaped upper end which cooperates with the upper edge of the central water inlet to selectively close off or vary the annular opening therebetween for controlling the flow of air at a predetermined temperature form the space intermediate the central water inlet and the surrounding outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. Preston
  • Patent number: 5101858
    Abstract: The valve needle of a gas sealing valve for plastic processing plants may be controlled by a control valve, which in turn is controlled by a working gas volume in order to prevent formation of internal waviness in injection molded articles even under very high gas pressures and to assure high flexibility in production without refitting delays. During plastic mass injection the valve needle seals tightly. During gas return the valve needle remains open until the gas bubble in the mold cavity is completely emptied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Krauss Maiffei, AG
    Inventor: Bernd Klotz
  • Patent number: 5080127
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-cleaning dosing pump system for delivering a slurry of solid particles and water. The dosing pump system comprises a membrane metering pump 10 and at least one sieve 11-13, arranged at the delivery end of the pump 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Elkem a/s
    Inventor: Eike Herfurth
  • Patent number: 5067513
    Abstract: A mixing valve includes the volume control valve, a pressure proportioning valve, and a thermostatic valve assembly within a single modular housing. The housing is rotatably mounted in a valve body. The housing houses the proportioning valve and the thermostatic control valve. Rotation of the housing controls the total volumetric flow from the supply inlets of the valve plate at the end of the housing.The thermostatic control valve includes a pivotable lever which has a spring seated at one side and a thermally responsive wax element at the other side with the fulcrum of the lever between the spring and wax element. Control handles are mounted at the end of the valve to independently control the volume and the temperature. An annular discharge chamber surrounds the housing section which houses the proportioning valve. The discharge chamber is in fluid communication to an outlet which is located at the same end of the valve body as the hot and cold water inlet supply lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Masco Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Nicklas, Gerald Bright, Eric V. Pullen, deceased, James R. Nicklas
  • Patent number: RE37732
    Abstract: A checkvalve is provided for dispersing a fluid into a flowing stream. All operating parts of the checkvalve are located in the flowing stream to provide uniform and rapid dispersion of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Gary D. Newton