Piston Patents (Class 137/625.37)
  • Patent number: 11796083
    Abstract: A valve trim that is configured to abate noise in a control valve. These configurations may include a cage with a flow path that has a spiral design or layout. This flow path can direct flow around a central bore. A plug may reside in this bore. This plug can travel longitudinally to change parameters of flow through the control valve. In one implementation, the spiral design can split flow inside of the cage. This feature can elongate travel of flow without any increase in dimensions of the cage (or the valve trim itself).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Dresser, LLC
    Inventors: Chad Eric Yates, Rohan N. Buntval, Stephen Randall Farmer, Donald Stroman Sanders, Jeremy Asher Glaun, Mikhail Anisimov
  • Patent number: 11725737
    Abstract: Fluid circulation valve, the said valve comprising a housing (1) and a body (2) for circulation of fluid, the said body (2) being located at least partially within the said housing (1), the said body (2) being attached to the housing (1) and having a passage (4) for fluid between the said body (2) and the said housing (1), the said valve further comprising a control member (30) that can be actuated electromagnetically, the said control member (30) being able to move with respect to the said body (2) so as to selectively open or close the said passage (4), the said body (2) having at least locally a tubular configuration at the said passage (4), the said control member (30) being able to slide along the said body (2) at least at the said passage (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
    Inventors: Stefan Karl, Mohamed Yahia, Jin-Ming Liu, Bertrand Nicolas, Roland Akiki
  • Patent number: 11320064
    Abstract: A flow control valve includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet. A trim assembly is disposed in the flow path and includes a valve seat and a cage. The cage includes a body and a central cavity defined by the body. A control member is movable in the central cavity of the cage between an open position, in which the control member is spaced away from the valve seat, and a closed position, in which the control member engages the valve seat. The body has a non-circular longitudinal cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Paul T. Alman
  • Patent number: 11243014
    Abstract: A cryocooler includes a displacer, a cylinder that forms an expansion space, a Scotch yoke mechanism configured to drive the displacer in a reciprocating manner, a first rod that extends from the Scotch yoke mechanism, a housing that includes an assist chamber, a rotary valve configured to switch between a state in which the expansion space and a discharge side of a compressor are connected and the assist chamber and a suction side of the compressor are connected and a state in which the expansion space and the suction side of the compressor are connected and the assist chamber and the discharge side of the compressor are connected, a motor configured to drive the Scotch yoke mechanism and the rotary valve, and an on-off valve configured to open and close a gas flow path through which the rotary valve and the assist chamber are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Qian Bao, Changheng Liu
  • Patent number: 10989234
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow control valve to be connected to a pipe. The valve includes: a plurality of fluid transport tubes having a geometrically variable cross-section and placed in parallel with each other; and a means for connecting to the pipe and located at one end of the fluid transport tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: TOTAL SA
    Inventors: Stéphane Jouenne, Guillaume Heurteux
  • Patent number: 10775811
    Abstract: A device (1) for controlling the flow of a fluid through a conduit (3) from an upstream side (8) to a downstream side (10). The device includes one or more valve apertures (6) through which the flow of fluid is selectively controlled. A valve member (12) is arranged to move reciprocally to selectively open and close the one or more valve apertures. The device includes a stop (18) for arresting the travel of the valve member arranged at or beyond a position the valve member reaches when at least some of the one or more valve apertures are open. The valve member includes an end portion (13) arranged to come into contact with the stop when the valve member reaches or passes the position at which at least some of the one or more valve apertures are open and a body portion (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: OXFORD FLOW LIMITED
    Inventors: Thomas Povey, Matthew Collins
  • Patent number: 10758849
    Abstract: Three dimensional filter devices and devices are provided herein. An example substrate includes a primary inlet boundary and a primary outlet boundary, as well as a plurality of filter rows that include microstructure filter members that remove particulate matter from a fluid flowing across or through the substrate; the fluid entering through the inlet boundary and exiting through the outlet boundary. Each of the microstructure filter members includes a secondary inlet channel and a secondary outlet channel that couple to adjacent microstructure filter members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Imagine TF, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Edward Richardson
  • Patent number: 10634393
    Abstract: A cryogenic expander maximizes the energy absorbing capacity of bumpers that prevent the displacer or piston in a pneumatically driven expander from hitting the cold or warm end of a cylinder. A collar at the warm end of the piston which has the same outside diameter as the piston and a lip at the warm end that engages an “O” ring before the piston hits the cold end or bottom of the cylinder. The warm end of the collar also engages an “O” ring before the pistons hits the warm end or top of the cylinder. Having “O” rings that are near the maximum diameter of the cylinder maximizes the amount of energy they can absorb, and thus permits quiet operation of larger size expanders than prior designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: SUMITOMO (SHI) CRYOGENIC OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Ralph C. Longsworth
  • Patent number: 10487603
    Abstract: A flow diverter including a bypass element to divert at least a first portion of drilling fluid from a drill string to the borehole annulus. The first portion of fluid, or bypass flow, may be provided to the borehole annulus to clear cuttings generated by a drill bit of a BHA. The remaining fluid flow, or BHA flow, may be expelled through the bottom of the BHA. The fluid discharged through the BHA may enter the annulus and flow upward with the fluid flow diverted through the flow diverter to aid in clearing cuttings. The flow diverter also includes a choke housing disposed concentrically within a drill collar and containing a plurality of chokes to regulate bypass flow. An actuation system may be coupled to the flow diverter to control opening/closing of the chokes and to measure flow rate of the first portion of fluid and/or the remaining fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignees: M-I Drilling Fluids UK Ltd, M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Daniel Manwill, Jim Shumway, James Linklater, Jacques Orban
  • Patent number: 10295274
    Abstract: A heat exchange system with at least one horizontal heat exchange chamber with heat exchange chamber boundaries which surround at least one heat exchange chamber interior of the heat exchange chamber is provided. The heat exchange chamber boundaries include at least one first opening for guiding in an inflow of at least one heat transfer fluid into the heat exchange chamber interior and at least one second opening for guiding out an outflow of the heat transfer fluid out of the heat exchange chamber interior. At least one heat storage material is arranged in the heat exchange chamber interior such that a heat exchange flow of the heat transfer fluid through the heat exchange chamber interior causes a heat exchange between the heat storage material and the heat transfer fluid. The heat exchange chamber is located at a soil area of a soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY A/S
    Inventors: Niels Pagelsen, Jennifer Verena Wagner
  • Patent number: 10125570
    Abstract: A gate valve assembly, the assembly includes a gate valve having a gate assembly moveable between a closed position and an open position. The gate assembly includes a pressure equalizing assembly coupled to the gate valve that equalizes the fluid pressure across the gate valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventor: Hans Paul Hopper
  • Patent number: 10036480
    Abstract: A clamped bonnet assembly for an axial flow control valve includes a clamped bonnet, a valve seat, and a cage, the cage being clamped directly between the clamped bonnet and the valve seat. The clamped bonnet assembly enhances manufacturability and machinability due to the removability of the clamped bonnet assembly from the control valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Elliot J. Hoff, Ross A. Schade
  • Patent number: 10004892
    Abstract: A needleless connector has a housing with an internal cavity having an interior surface, a port, an output flow channel, and a fluid flow path through the cavity between the port and the output flow channel. A collapsible valve is disposed within the cavity. The valve has one or more rings each having a surface that is in sealing contact with the interior surface of the housing. There are one or more notches formed in each of the one or more rings, and the flow path passes through one of the notches in each of the one or more rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Yeh, Christopher J. Zollinger, Tyler Devin Panian
  • Patent number: 9874282
    Abstract: A slide valve is described, in particular, for an automatic transmission for motor vehicles. The slide valve includes a valve slide displaceable in a sliding channel and at least two adjacent connecting channels. The sliding channel and the valve slide are configured so that the valve slide in an opened slide position establishes a fluid connection between the two adjacent connecting channels, and the valve slide in the opened slide position is guided in a section of the sliding channel between the adjacent connecting channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Gerhard Wetzel, Guenter Escher
  • Patent number: 9828837
    Abstract: In one aspect, a flow control device is disclosed that in one embodiment may include a sand screen that includes adjacent wraps of a longitudinal member, wherein the longitudinal member has a width, a first axial side and a second axial side, the longitudinal member further including spaced apart standoffs along the first axial side and spaced apart channels that provide fluid paths from the second axial side to the first axial side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Hughes
    Inventor: Robert S. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 9822886
    Abstract: In a valve having a body with a sealed working fluid chamber, a bore and a valved fluid chamber, the valved fluid chamber having an inlet and outlet and a seat between the inlet and the outlet, a piston for extending through the bore from the working fluid chamber to the valved fluid chamber, a spring for biasing the piston away from the seat and a working fluid for receipt in the working fluid chamber. Applicant provides an improvement comprising a seal stack assembly for entrainment, under compression, upon the piston and in the piston chamber between a working fluid chamber end wall and a first end of the piston, wherein the first end of the piston is located in the working fluid chamber and a second end in the valved fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Baker Products, Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Dulin
  • Patent number: 9772125
    Abstract: A cryogenic refrigerator includes a displacer that is reciprocably mounted within a cylinder; a spool valve that is connected to the compressor and performs switching between an intake mode where a high-pressure refrigerant gas is supplied from the compressor to the cylinder and an exhaust mode where a low-pressure refrigerant gas within the cylinder is made to flow back to the compressor; and a drive unit that drives the spool valve. The spool valve has a valve body, and a drive rod that moves relative to the valve body and is integrated with the spool. The drive unit performs driving so that the magnitude of a speed when the drive rod moves from a top dead center to a bottom dead center is different from the magnitude of a speed when the drive rod moves from the bottom dead center to the top dead center, at the same displacement position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Takaaki Morie, Mingyao Xu
  • Patent number: 9759348
    Abstract: A control valve has a body having an inlet and outlet, a valve seat between the inlet and outlet, a valve plug, and a cage adjacent the valve seat to provide guidance for the valve plug. The valve plug is movable between a closed position, where the valve plug sealingly engages the valve seat, and an open position, where the valve plug is spaced away from the valve seat. The cage has a circumferential wall having inner and outer surfaces and a plurality of passages formed through the wall. Each passage can have a first portion extending from the inner surface and a second portion extending from the outer surface, where the second portion has a diameter smaller than that of the first portion, can follow a non-linear path from the inner to outer surface, and/or can have a cross-sectional area that varies from the inner to outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Daniel M. Adams, Allen C. Fagerlund, James L. Gossett, Patrick L. O'Shea, Daniel J. Eilers, William E. Wears
  • Patent number: 9708886
    Abstract: A system includes a wellhead system, and a flow control system coupled to the wellhead system. The flow control system includes a housing with a flow path between an inlet and an outlet. The flow control system also includes a flow control device disposed in the housing along the flow path. The flow control system also includes a bonnet assembly surrounding the flow control device. The bonnet assembly is configured to selectively mount one of a manual actuator and a powered actuator to actuate the flow control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Frenzel, Jerry Martino, Stephen Chambers, Ali Barkatally
  • Patent number: 9605689
    Abstract: An air motor has a source of pressurized air, two air chambers, a pilot valve and a directional control valve. The spool of the directional control valve is of the unbalanced type and includes a piston surface in continuous communication with atmosphere through an exhaust port and a pressurized restricted port in alternating communication with the large end of the spool and the piston surface. The alternating communication of the source of pressurized air through the restricted port is restricted relative to the continuous communication of the piston surface with atmosphere. At the point of shift of the directional control valve, the piston surface is in communication with the source of pressurized air through the restricted port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Wilden Pump and Engineering LLC
    Inventor: Carl J. Glauber
  • Patent number: 9328841
    Abstract: A dispenser body having a liquid inlet, a discharge outlet, and a flow channel capable of directing a flow of the hot melt adhesive from the liquid inlet to the discharge outlet. The flow channel includes a valve seat between the liquid inlet and the discharge outlet. The dispensing module further includes a needle having a valve member mounted for movement in the dispenser body between an open position in which the valve member is disengaged with the valve seat allowing liquid flow from the discharge outlet and a closed position in which the valve member is engaged with the valve seat preventing liquid flow from the discharge outlet. A first electromagnetic coil is activated to move the needle to the open position and a second electromagnetic coil is activated to move the needle to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Howard B. Evans, III, John M. Riney
  • Patent number: 9217593
    Abstract: A cooling system includes a refrigerator and a thermal load application unit applying a thermal load to the refrigerator. A detector detects, when the thermal load is applied to the refrigerator by the thermal load application unit, a change in a physical quantity generated in the refrigerator or a refrigerator-mounting portion where the refrigerator is mounted. A determiner determines a maintenance timing of the refrigerator based on the change in the physical quantity detected by the detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Yuki Ikushima
  • Patent number: 9038664
    Abstract: A control valve having a retainer for securing a seat ring within the valve body of the device is disclosed. The seat ring is disposed within a bore in the fluid flow path of the valve body of the control valve, and the retainer is attached to the inner surface of the valve body to retain the seat ring within the bore. The retainer includes threaded openings therethrough for receiving bolts that are tightened down on the seat ring to hold the seat ring against the inner surface of the bore and/or a gasket to form a tight seal and prevent leakage when the control device is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Michael McCarty, Michel K. Lovell
  • Patent number: 9022071
    Abstract: A control valve which includes a uniquely configured seat ring outfitted with flow passages adapted to operatively interact with a valve plug in a manner providing prescribed pressure reduction characteristics in a fluid flowing through the flow passages. The seat ring of the control valve of the present invention is preferably fabricated through the use of a direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) process. The use of the DMLS process to facilitate the fabrication of the seat ring in the control valve allows for the creation of more intricate and complex flow passages therein. Such increased intricacy/complexity provides better flow range/rangeability within the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Control Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Sadasivan Venkitasubramony, Sujith Elayattil Parambil
  • Patent number: 9022070
    Abstract: A control element for a fluid flow control device includes a stem, a plug, and a fastener. The stem includes an elongated member with a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to be operably coupled to an actuator and the second end including a fastener recess including a plurality of internal threads. The plug is disposed adjacent to the second end of the stem. The fastener fixing the plug to the stem and includes a threaded portion extending from the plug and engaging the plurality of internal threads of the fastener recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Shawn W. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8955548
    Abstract: A control element for a fluid flow control device includes a stem, a plug, and a fastener. The stem includes an elongated member with a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to be operably coupled to an actuator and the second end including a fastener recess including a plurality of internal threads. The plug is disposed adjacent to the second end of the stem. The fastener fixing the plug to the stem and includes a threaded portion extending from the plug and engaging the plurality of internal threads of the fastener recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Shawn W. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20150020903
    Abstract: A cascade type trim for integration into control valve and having a valve stem and a valve cage which cooperate with each other to define a plurality of fluid passageway columns, each of which extend between a valve inlet and a valve outlet. Each fluid passageway column is collectively defined by a plurality of stem passageways and a plurality of cage passageways. The stem and cage passageways are brought in and out of alignment as a result of axial movement of the stem relative to the cage. In a first position, a first fluid passageway is open, while a second fluid passageway remains closed. In a second position, both the first and second fluid passageways are open, and yet in a third position, the first fluid passageway is closed and the second fluid passageway is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: MARCO MASTROVITO
  • Patent number: 8919377
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an acoustically actuated flow valve having temperature-sensitive reed valves thereon. The flow valve and reed valves are configured to impart acoustical energy into a fluid flowing through the flow valve and one or more fluids downstream of the valve, leading to increased mixing of the fluids. The reed valves are further configured to be temperature-sensitive, thereby allowing more fluid to flow through the flow valve as the result of a change in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 8899551
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body having a body recess and a bonnet including a bonnet recess having a bonnet mating surface. The valve assembly further includes a valve cage disposed within an interior of the valve body, the valve cage including a body portion extending along a longitudinal axis and a circumferential mating protrusion extending from an outer surface in a transverse direction, the mating protrusion including an upper mating surface and a lower mating surface. The upper mating surface is disposed within the bonnet recess to be aligned with the bonnet mating surface, and the lower mating surface is disposed within the body recess to be aligned with the body mating surface, wherein the upper and lower mating surface are not parallel. Accordingly, clamping forces acting on the mating protrusion include a longitudinal and tangential component, allowing for increased clamping forces without plastically deforming the mating protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Mark J. Linser
  • Patent number: 8833393
    Abstract: A hydraulic connector (14) attaches a valve chamber (16) to a flow pipe (P) using a hydraulic clamp (20) to grab the pipe (P) or a flange (F). The valve chamber (16) contains a primary hydraulic ram (26) to telescopically extend a primary seal (28) on the ram (26) to close or open the outlet ports (22) by moving the primary seal (28) to permit flow through valve up flow tubes (34) to a riser (R). Outlet ports (22) in the cap valve (12), or an intermittent pipe (18), permit unrestricted flow while the connector (14) is being installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Inventor: Charles J. Adams
  • Patent number: 8826938
    Abstract: A flow control element comprises a cylindrical element body having a bore formed therethrough. The cylindrical element body may include inner and outer peripheral surfaces and define a plurality of tortuous flow passages which extend between the inner and outer peripheral surfaces. The flow control element is formed as a unitary structure wherein the flow passages are oriented along at least two axes. The flow control may be formed by direct to metal laser sintering wherein successive layers of powdered metallic material are solidified by applying laser energy to the selected portions until the flow element is formed as a unitary structure with a plurality of flow passages extending therethrough. The laser energy is selectively applied to the powdered metallic material according to a computer model of the flow control element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Control Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason M. Moore
  • Patent number: 8763639
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a controlled valve. The valve includes a valve body, a sleeve, a spool, and a valve actuator assembly. The valve body includes a cavity and a first chamber. The sleeve is between the cavity and the first chamber. The sleeve includes an inner bore and at least one opening. The inner bore extends from a first end to a second end of the sleeve. The at least one opening extends through the second end of the sleeve. A portion of the inner bore forms a second chamber. The spool is movably disposed within the inner bore. The valve actuator assembly is connected to the spool. The first chamber is in fluid communication with the second chamber through the at least one opening. The spool is configured to be movable over at least a portion of the at least one opening to regulate fluid flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Enfield Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel S. Cook, Michael J. Elmoznino, Blake D. Carter
  • Publication number: 20130276924
    Abstract: A control valve which includes a uniquely configured seat ring outfitted with flow passages adapted to operatively interact with a valve plug in a manner providing prescribed pressure reduction characteristics in a fluid flowing through the flow passages. The seat ring of the control valve of the present invention is preferably fabricated through the use of a direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) process. The use of the DMLS process to facilitate the fabrication of the seat ring in the control valve allows for the creation of more intricate and complex flow passages therein. Such increased intricacy/complexity provides better flow range/rangeability within the control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: CONTROL COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Sadasivan Venkitasubramony, Sujith Elayattil Parambil
  • Patent number: 8485218
    Abstract: A generator includes a rotor to be driven to rotate and generate electricity and a housing receiving the rotor. An oil supply includes an oil inlet port and an oil outlet port. A pressure regulating valve regulates the flow of oil from the inlet port to the outlet port. The pressure regulating valve includes a valve sleeve mounted within the housing. The valve sleeve extends into a bore within the housing. A valve spool is mounted within the valve sleeve. The valve sleeve has a flange abutting an outer face of the housing. Bolts tighten the flange against the housing. An inner end of the valve sleeve extends radially inwardly to form a ledge. The ledge is spaced away from an inner face of the housing. A valve sleeve, a sense piston and a valve spool are also disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Glenn C. Lemmers, Jr., David S. Behling, Mark F. Franzen
  • Patent number: 8443838
    Abstract: A refrigerant valve has a body with a through bore. Multiple tubes have openings aligned in a ring around a middle of the bore. The tubes lead to larger channels in the body. A needle assembly inserted through an end of the bore reciprocates a needle with a stepper motor and speed reducer to precisely control sizes of the openings. Further advancing the needle shaft after closing the openings to the tubes, engages and slides a bypass sleeve against a return spring force to open a bypass in a side of the valve body. A connector connects the bypass in a first end of the bore to outward opening holes of the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Carlos Quesada Saborio
  • Patent number: 8387666
    Abstract: An improved fluid pressure reduction device including a perimeter and a hollow center aligned along a longitudinal axis, and further including an inlet region at the hollow center and an outlet region at the perimeter, wherein the outlet region includes multiple dimensioned outlet areas arranged to substantially reduce outlet tone generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Allen C. Fagerlund, Daniel Eilers, Michael W. McCarty
  • Patent number: 8267116
    Abstract: A backflow and strainer device is presented. The device is a unitary unit that prevents backflow of fluid gas in a compressor and prevents dirt particles and debris from entering the compressor, thereby damaging the components. A valve mechanism moves between an open position and a closed position to either allow or prevent fluid gas from flowing into the compressor. A mesh portion is disposed in the device to trap all dirt particles and debris to prevent them from entering the compressor. The valve mechanism responds to the higher and lower pressures associated with the operation and shutdown of compressors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Paul A. Huber, Paul Nemit, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8267121
    Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed. The valve assembly may include a housing having an interior chamber, inlet port, outlet port, and control port. The valve assembly may further include a valve member configured to move within the interior chamber to permit flow between the inlet port and the control port and between the outlet port and the control port. The valve assembly may further include and an actuator configured to move the valve member to form a first opening and second opening to create flow forces tending to close the first and second opening. The valve member may also include a passageway in the valve member configured to direct fluid flow from the inlet port to the control port and from the control port to the outlet port, and counteract the flow forces at the first and second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Michael Gruel
  • Patent number: 8042572
    Abstract: A controllable pressure reducing valve has a housing which includes an inner chamber extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis and an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The inlet opening and the outlet opening open into the inner chamber at an axial relative distance. The inner chamber includes between the mouths of the inlet opening and the outlet opening at least one annular wall having a cylindrical valve bore. An axially movable valve body which is arranged in the inner chamber, extends through the valve bore and has a piston-type portion guided in the valve bore and adapted to close the valve bore. The piston-type portion includes at least one control recess bounded by a control step which extends in axial direction and in circumferential direction and combines with an edge of the valve bore to form a controllable valve opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford Energy Services GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Winnacker, Uwe Draeger
  • Patent number: 8011386
    Abstract: A control valve having a shiftable valve plug includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, a flow passage extending between the inlet and the outlet, and defining a longitudinal axis, a generally cylindrical valve cage disposed within the valve body and sized to receive the valve plug, with the valve cage including at least one aperture comprising at least a portion of the flow passage, a portion of the valve cage disposed adjacent a portion of the valve body at an interface. A seal having a C-shaped cross section is provided and is disposed at the interface between the valve cage and the valve body, and a retainer is disposed adjacent the interface and positioned to secure the seal against movement along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: James Leroy Gossett, William V. Fitzgerald, Raymond W. Micheel, Donald Sanders, Donald Ray Bush, Wade Jonathon Helfer
  • Patent number: 7959127
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a dirty service valve including an axial trim which, as a result of its structural attributes and extended stroke length, provides increased Cv capacity relative to valve plug size in comparison to existing prior art designs. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the axial trim integrated into the valve of the present invention is configured to provide a linear flow characteristic. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the axial trim may be configured to provide a non-linear flow characteristic which, coupled with the extended stroke length thereof, provides improved flow control in addition to increased Cv capacity. The axial trim possessing the above-described structural and functional attributes may also be integrated into an axial body or housing, thus making the use of rotary actuators in conjunction with the axial trim more feasible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Control Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond R. Newton, Paul A. Smirl
  • Patent number: 7699075
    Abstract: A choke valve for use in reverse flow when mounted on a wellhead or manifold. The choke valve includes a valve body forming a T-shaped bore to provide a vertically extending bottom opening and a horizontally extending side opening. Flow trim is positioned in the T-shaped bore, optionally in a tubular sleeve or removable cartridge. The flow trim includes a tubular cage having a side wall forming an internal bore aligned with the body bottom opening, and a single flow port or a plurality of flow ports, each of the single flow port or plurality of flow ports being positioned for alignment with the body side opening. In reverse flow mode in the valve body, fluid from the bottom opening enters the cage and exits through the single flow port or plurality of flow ports directly into the body side opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Master Flo Valve Inc.
    Inventor: Larry J. Bohaychuk
  • Patent number: 7681594
    Abstract: A control valve having a shiftable valve plug includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, a flow passage extending between the inlet and the outlet, and defining a longitudinal axis, a generally cylindrical valve cage disposed within the valve body and sized to receive the valve plug, with the valve cage including at least one aperture comprising at least a portion of the flow passage, a portion of the valve cage disposed adjacent a portion of the valve body at an interface. A seal having a C-shaped cross section is provided and is disposed at the interface between the valve cage and the valve body, and a retainer is disposed adjacent the interface and positioned to secure the seal against movement along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Inventors: James L. Gossett, William V. Fitzgerald, Raymond W. Micheel, Donald Sanders, Donald R. Bush, Wade J. Helfer
  • Patent number: 7578314
    Abstract: A seal assembly for a fluid pressure control device includes a guide element having a scaling surface and a first guide surface. A throttling element assembly includes a throttling element positionable within a fluid flow path, the assembly defines a mating surface adapted to seal with the sealing surface, and a second guide surface sized to slidingly engage the first guide surface. A relief void is formed in at least one of the guide element and the throttling element assembly adjacent the first and second guide surfaces to receive loose solid material, to thereby prevent disruption of the seal formed between the sealing surface and the mating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Michael W. McCarty, Donald R. Bush, Daniel M. Adams, Frederick W. Catron, Michael D. Frohwein
  • Publication number: 20090056820
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a controllable pressure reducing valve (1) having a housing (2) which includes an inner chamber (3) extending in the direction of a longitudinal axis and having an inlet opening (15) and an outlet opening (17), said inlet opening (15) and said outlet opening (17) opening into the inner chamber (3) at an axial relative distance, and said inner chamber (3) including between the mouths of the inlet opening (15) and the outlet opening (17) at least one annular wall (11) having a cylindrical valve bore (20) and an axially movable valve body (4) which is arranged in the inner chamber (3), extends through the valve bore (20) and has a piston-type portion (29) guided in the valve bore (20) and adapted to close the valve bore (20). The piston-type portion (29) includes at least one control recess (45) bounded by a control step (46) which extends in axial direction and in circumferential direction and combines with an edge of the valve bore (20) to form a controllable valve opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Helmut Winnacker, Uwe Draeger
  • Patent number: 7448409
    Abstract: A fluid flow control device includes a body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path extending from the inlet to the outlet. A valve seat ring is coupled to the body and defines an orifice through which the fluid flow path passes. A cage is also coupled to the body and defines an interior bore, wherein the cage includes at least one passage through which the fluid flow path passes. A throttling element is sized for insertion into the cage interior bore and movable along an axis between open and closed positions. The throttling element defines a sealing surface oriented substantially parallel to the axis. A seal is positioned to engage the sealing surface when the throttling element is substantially in the closed position, thereby to restrict fluid flow through the valve seat ring orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventors: Raymond W. Micheel, David J. Westwater
  • Patent number: 7195034
    Abstract: A noise reducing apparatus and method for handling of fluid comprises a plurality of discs stacked on one another, each disc having a radially inner periphery and a radially outer periphery, and a plurality of fluid flow channels defined on at least some of the discs and extending from the inner periphery to the outer periphery. One or more sound reducing material elements are disposed to extend across at least some of the fluid flow channels so that fluid flowing through the channel passes through the sound absorbing material. Alternatively, a plurality of sound absorbing wafers are disposed in between adjacent discs and form a respective wall of the flow channels with respect to the flow channel of an adjacent disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: Allan K. Shea
  • Patent number: 7104281
    Abstract: Fluid flow regulation may be achieved by a system including a housing, a first flow throttling area, and a second flow throttling area. The housing includes a flow inlet port, a flow outlet port, and a passage between the ports. The first flow throttling area is in the passage, and the second flow throttling area is movably positionable proximate the first flow throttling area to facilitate fluid flow regulation, the second flow throttling area restricting flow more than the first flow throttling area. The second flow throttling area primarily regulates flow when flow is low, and the first flow throttling area primarily regulates flow when flow is high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventors: James Albert Stares, Jamie Todd Bogumil
  • Patent number: 7069950
    Abstract: A noise-attenuating module of a valve trim, including: a first divider plate; a second divider plate; and a plurality of flow segment plates disposed adjacent to and in contact with one another. At least one Herschel-Quincke tube flow path is formed by interconnected openings in the flow segment plates. A noise-attenuating cartridge to be placed transverse to the path of flowing fluid, the cartridge having: a plurality of flow segment plates disposed adjacent to and in contact with one another. At least one Herschel-Quincke tube is formed by interconnected openings in the flow segment plates. A noise-attenuating cartridge to be placed transverse to the path of flowing fluid, the cartridge including a segmented disk disposed with a first surface in an upstream side of the path of the flowing fluid and a second surface disposed in a downstream side of the path of flowing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Bittner
  • Patent number: RE42633
    Abstract: A spool valve is provided with a stem portion that defines a fluid passageway formed by either (a) a single central support having a non-cylindrical curved surface shaped hydrodynamically, or (b) only a pair of sidewalls with, preferably, interior surfaces that are also shaped hydrodynamically. These stem passageways, which are designed to facilitate the flow of high-speed/high-pressure fluids controlled by the valve, are maintained in a predetermined orientation relative to the ports of the valve cylinders by a mechanism preferably including (a) a cam-following roller supported in a tang fixed to each spool and (b) a two-element cam that captures the roller within two of the parallel sides of a cam-track groove formed on the respective interior surfaces of each cam element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Torvec, Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon E. Gleasman, Warren R. Alexander