Rotary Valve Unit Patents (Class 137/625.46)
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Patent number: 6896067Abstract: A fire suppressing system having at least one suppressant source, at least two control valves in communication with the suppressant source, and at least two distributors, each distributor being in communication with one of the control valves. The control valves are movable between at least three of first, second, third, and fourth positions. Functionally, in the first position, each of the control valves passes suppressant therethrough, but does not pass suppressant to its distributor. In the second position, each of the control valves does not pass suppressant therethrough, but passes suppressant to its distributor. In the third position, each of the control valves passes suppressant therethrough, and passes suppressant to its distributor. In the fourth position, each of the control valves does not pass suppressant therethrough and does not pass suppressant to its distributor.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2002Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Inventors: James Bowyer, Robert Dunster, David S. Rausch, William Mahony
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Patent number: 6889710Abstract: Rotary sequencing valve comprising a rotor having a rotor face rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the rotor face, wherein the rotor face has a plurality of openings, one or more of which are disposed at a selected radial distance from the axis, and wherein the rotor includes at least one passage connecting at least one pair of the plurality of openings. The valve includes a flexible port plate having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side faces the rotor and engages the rotor such that the flexible port plate can be rotated coaxially by the rotor and can move axially with respect to the rotor, wherein the flexible port plate has a plurality of ports between the first and second sides, which ports are aligned with the openings in the rotor face.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2002Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventor: Glenn Paul Wagner
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Patent number: 6852291Abstract: A hybrid valve apparatus for use with an aspiration actuator and a dispensing actuator to transfer fluid from a reservoir to a test site on a substrate surface. The hybrid valve includes a valve assembly movable between an aspiration condition and a dispensing condition, and a manifold device coupled to the valve assembly. The manifold device includes a fluid aspiration conduit having a first aspiration port in fluid communication with the aspiration actuator. On an opposite end of the aspiration conduit is a second aspiration port in selective fluid communication with the valve assembly to selectively aspirate a liquid sample slug from the reservoir into a discrete sample path when the valve assembly is in the aspiration condition. The manifold device further includes a fluid dispensing conduit having a first dispensing port in fluid communication with the dispensing actuator, and a second dispensing port in selective fluid communication with the valve assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2000Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Innovadyne Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James E. Johnson, Neil R. Picha, Mitchel J. Doktycz
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Patent number: 6845968Abstract: A microdevice is provided for controlling fluid flow. The microdevice includes a substantially planar contact surface and a plurality of fluid-transporting features associated therewith. Also included is a substrate having a substantially planar contact surface and a fluid-transporting feature associated therewith. The contact surfaces are positioned in slidable and fluid-tight contact to allow for controllable formation of a plurality of different flow paths upon alignment of the substrate fluid-transporting feature with each cover plate fluid-transporting features in succession. Typically, at least one of the cover plate and substrate is comprised of a biofouling resistant polymer, and the flow paths are of different lengths. Optionally, a plurality of fluid-transporting features is associated with the substrate so that flow paths are formed as a result of a different alignment of the fluid-transporting features.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2004Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Killeen, Hongfeng Yin
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Patent number: 6843070Abstract: A refrigerant handling system includes coupling apparatus for coupling a refrigerant processing apparatus to an automotive air-conditioning system. The coupling apparatus includes a ball valve including a common port and at least two selectable ports, and a valve member manually movable among a closed condition, wherein the common port is connected to neither selectable port, and three open conditions wherein the common port is connected, respectively, to each of the selectable ports and both of the selectable ports. The common port of the valve is connected to the refrigerant processing apparatus, while the selectable ports are connected, respectively, to conduits for providing connections to the high-pressure and low-pressure sides of the air-conditioning system.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Anwar Suharno
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Publication number: 20040164265Abstract: A microdevice is provided for controlling fluid flow. The microdevice includes a substantially planar contact surface and a plurality of fluid-transporting features associated therewith. Also included is a substrate having a substantially planar contact surface and a fluid-transporting feature associated therewith. The contact surfaces are positioned in slidable and fluid-tight contact to allow for controllable formation of a plurality of different flow paths upon alignment of the substrate fluid-transporting feature with each cover plate fluid-transporting features in succession. Typically, at least one of the cover plate and substrate is comprised of a biofouling resistant polymer, and the flow paths are of different lengths. Optionally, a plurality of fluid-transporting features is associated with the substrate so that flow paths are formed as a result of a different alignment of the fluid-transporting features.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventors: Kevin Killeen, Hongfeng Yin
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Patent number: 6776189Abstract: A fluid control valve includes a main body and a switching member. The main body is provided with a chamber in which the switching member is rotatably disposed. The chamber is in communication with an inlet and two outlets. The switching member is formed of a connection rod and a horizontal disk. The connection rod is fastened to a control knob by which the switching member is actuated to turn. The horizontal disk is provided with two through holes via which the inlet is in communication with the outlets. The fluid control valve can be operated in four different ways, thanks to the horizontal disk of the switching member.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Inventor: Hsin-Fa Wang
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Publication number: 20040134546Abstract: Improved valve and methods for analytical techniques and systems. The valve includes a main housing, together with a rotor and stator. The stator has openings therethrough which allow for fluid communication between tubing when connected to the valve, and one surface of the rotor. Ferrules can be used with a clamping assembly to tightly connect the tubing to the valve in a way which separates the clamp assemblies (for ease of connection and disassembly), yet still provides close proximity between the fluid connections. In one embodiment, a series of two or more discrete elements, which can be selectively moved relative to one another, are located within the valve in a “stacked” configuration. Each of the discrete elements includes at least one feature useful for performing chemical analysis, such as sample loops, columns, detectors, mixers and the like, all of which are useful in chromatography.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventors: Hans G. Schick, Michael L. Bailey, Thomas C. Dykas
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Publication number: 20040123911Abstract: A ceramic disc diverter valve for use with a water treatment device. The diverter includes a movable disc sandwiched between two stationary discs. The movable disc is rotated between three different positions to deliver a stream of untreated water, a spray of untreated water or a flow of treated water. When delivering treated water, the diverter directs the flow of water out of a secondary outlet to a water treatment device. The treated water is returned to the diverter through a secondary inlet and is discharged from the diverter through a treated water outlet. When delivering untreated water, both the secondary inlet and the secondary outlet are sealed by the ceramic discs. The movable disc preferably includes an integral handle that protrudes from the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2003Publication date: July 1, 2004Inventors: Eric K. Bartkus, Bradley J. Pippel
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Publication number: 20040112444Abstract: A multiport switching valve for a liquid flow system is described, comprising a first member having a plurality of ports for connecting liquid lines thereto, a second member, connected with a first member and movable relative to the first member, the second member comprising a plurality of channels, wherein the channels are arranged such that, according to a selected relative position between the first and second member, one or more of said channel connect predetermined ones of the ports of the first member with one another in a liquid conducting manner. The first member comprises at least one group of ports arranged in one substantially straight line or at least two adjacent substantially parallel and substantially straight lines, and the second member comprises a plurality of segments, wherein the segments have one or more channels arranged therein, the channel or channels of each segment representing a predetermined connection scheme for connecting predetermined ones of the ports with one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Applicant: Bruker BioSpin GmbHInventor: Martin Hofmann
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Patent number: 6748975Abstract: A microfluidic rotary valve and methods of manufacturing same are disclosed. The rotary valve includes a stator chip having at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The rotary valve also includes a rotor having at least one rotor channel in sealed engagement with the stator chip. The rotor rotates between valve positions preventing and allowing fluid communication between the inlets and outlets by way of the rotor channels and according to the design of the inlets, outlets and rotor channels. The stator chip includes a first planar substrate having a contact face and a second planar substrate having a contact face bonded to the contact face of the first planar substrate. The first planar substrate defines a first portion of the inlet and outlet, and the second planar substrate defines a second portion of the inlet and outlet.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2001Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignees: Micralyne Inc., MDS Inc., MDS Proteomics Inc.Inventors: Herbert A. Hartshorne, Graham H. McKinon, Pengguang Yu, Darren F. Lewis
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Publication number: 20040108005Abstract: A fluid scavenging system is provided for a lubrication system including a gas turbine engine having bearing compartments. A valve includes a housing with an outlet and a plurality of fluid inlets respectively in fluid communication with the bearing compartments. The valve includes a rotationally driven member arranged within the housing with the member having a plurality of ports arranged thereon each defining an arcuate slot. Each of the ports are selectively in fluid communication with one of the fluid inlets through the arcuate slot during rotation of the member for selectively permitting fluid flow between the opening of one of the fluid inlets through one of the corresponding ports in the member. A fluid pump is fluidly connected to the outlet for drawing fluid from each of the plurality of fluid compartments during fluid rotation of the member.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2002Publication date: June 10, 2004Inventors: Douglas A. Parsons, Kenneth Marks
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Publication number: 20040099319Abstract: In a hydraulic multi-way valve device, a first stationary body is set in direct touch with a second rotating body, and a groove is made in the second rotating body to be set alternatively in communication, through a plurality of holes made in the first stationary body, with a plurality of channels conveying liquid substances.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Applicant: Marchesini Group S.p.A.Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
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Publication number: 20040094216Abstract: Rotary sequencing valve comprising a rotor having a rotor face rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the rotor face, wherein the rotor face has a plurality of openings, one or more of which are disposed at a selected radial distance from the axis, and wherein the rotor includes at least one passage connecting at least one pair of the plurality of openings. The valve includes a flexible port plate having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side faces the rotor and engages the rotor such that the flexible port plate can be rotated coaxially by the rotor and can move axially with respect to the rotor, wherein the flexible port plate has a plurality of ports between the first and second sides, which ports are aligned with the openings in the rotor face.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2002Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventor: Glenn Paul Wagner
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Patent number: 6729350Abstract: A multi-port valve useful in chromatography or other analytical chemistry processes utilizes a ferrule and clamp assembly to connect a number of tubes or capillaries to a common port in the valve. The use of the clamping assembly, as opposed to conventional connectors such as nuts and/or bolts, permits the capillary ends to be positioned in extremely close proximity to the valve rotor and to each other, thus minimizing the volume between two capillaries when they are in brought into fluid communication with each other. At the same time, the clamps allow for easier connection and disconnection of the tubes or capillaries from the valve body. An operator can twist a screw to tighten the clamp and create a sealed connection without the need for special tools.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Upchurch Scientific, Inc.Inventor: Hans G. Schick
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Patent number: 6712087Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary valve assembly for a pressure swing adsorption system. The rotary valve assembly includes a first valve member and a second valve member relatively rotatable about a common center of rotation to provide valving action for selectively transferring fluids therethrough. The second valve member has a first fluid section with at least one aperture adapted for transferring a first fluid of a first pressure and composition therethrough and a second fluid section with at least one aperture adapted for transferring a second fluid of a second pressure and composition therethrough. The first valve member has a first fluid section with at least one passage for transferring the first fluid in the valve assembly and a second fluid section with at least one passage for transferring the second fluid in the valve assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignees: SeQual Technologies, Inc., Teijin LimitedInventors: Theodore B. Hill, Charles C. Hill, Adam C. Hansen
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Patent number: 6699434Abstract: A metering valve for delivering liquids from a reservoir includes a rotatable valve plug having at least one well in the valve plug. The valve plug prevents direct communication across the valve. Rotating the valve plug transfers the liquid from the reservoir into the well on the valve plug. Rotating the valve plug further transfers the liquid in the well from the valve plug to the point of delivery. The rotation of the valve plug can be repeated to transfer more liquid. The metering valve can be used to deliver vaporizable germicides to a sterilization chamber. A single metering valve can be used to deliver varying amounts of vaporizable germicide to different sizes of sterilization chamber by rotating the valve plug an appropriate number of times. The valve plug can contain multiple wells to deliver large volumes of liquid quickly.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: March 2, 2004Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Lukasik, Szu-Min Lin
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Patent number: 6672336Abstract: A multi-function, random access, dual, three-way valve for use with fluid switching and the like is provided, whereby a first fluid flow to the valve is selectively placed in fluid communication with a first or a second outlet passage from the valve for selectively transferring the first fluid flow and a second fluid flow to the valve is, independent of the flow path of the first fluid, selectively placed in fluid communication with a third or a fourth outlet from the valve for simultaneously transferring the second fluid flow. A rotor element rotatably movable relative to a stationary stator element to at least four discrete angular positions actuates to multi-function switching capabilities of the valve when the rotor element is selectively placed in one of the at least four discrete positions. The valve directs the first fluid flow to one of two alternate outlet passages and, simultaneously and independently, directs the second fluid flow to one of at least two different outlet passages.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Rheodyne, LPInventor: Jon A. Nichols
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Patent number: 6647934Abstract: An enhanced split cooling system and method for a turbocharged internal combustion engine including a liquid cooled turbocharger 19 and an engine liquid coolant jacket 18, the system comprising a coolant pump 12 for pumping coolant from a coolant storage tank 16 in heat exchange relationship with the engine jacket 18 and turbocharger 19; an oil cooler 32 having coolant input and output lines; a valve assembly 74, 83 including a multi-port rotary valve actuated by a single actuator; a first coolant output line connected for conveying coolant from the engine to the valve assembly 74, 83; a radiator 22 connected via a second coolant line for receiving coolant from the valve assembly 74, 83 and having a coolant outflow line to return coolant to the coolant tank 16; an intercooler 28 operatively associated with the turbocharger 19 for passing the coolant in hear exchange relationship with compressed air in the turbocharger 19; a lube oil subcooler 46 coupled by a third coolant flow line to receive coolant from theType: GrantFiled: October 1, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Gregory Alan Marsh, Peter Loring Valentine
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Patent number: 6634380Abstract: A ceramic disc diverter valve for use with a water treatment device. The diverter includes a movable disc sandwiched between two stationary discs. The movable disc is rotated between three different positions to deliver a stream of untreated water, a spray of untreated water or a flow of treated water. When delivering treated water, the diverter directs the flow of water out of a secondary outlet to a water treatment device. The treated water is returned to the diverter through a secondary inlet and is discharged from the diverter through a treated water outlet. When delivering untreated water, both the secondary inlet and the secondary outlet are sealed by the ceramic discs. The movable disc preferably includes an integral handle that protrudes from the housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Access Business Group International LLCInventors: Eric K. Bartkus, Bradley J. Pippel
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Publication number: 20030136450Abstract: A rotary valve includes a valve seat containing a circular valve block comprising two abutted semicircular blocks and a space inside the valve seat; an axial plunger each at the centers of the upper and the lower sides of the semicircular blocks; an air inlet and outlet passage each formed within each semicircular block extending from periphery to the axial plunger; a trough in the periphery of each semicircular block; and a hole connecting the periphery of the valve seat and its interior; power from a linkage mechanism being introduced to drive the circular valve block to rotate so that a specific timing being given to air circulation through the passages and the hole during the travel of rotation executed by the two semicircular blocks to change connection configuration of the passages to control air inlet and exhaustion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventor: Huo-Chen Su
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Publication number: 20030116206Abstract: A microfluidic rotary valve and methods of manufacturing same are disclosed. The rotary valve includes a stator chip having at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The rotary valve also includes a rotor having at least one rotor channel in sealed engagement with the stator chip. The rotor rotates between valve positions preventing and allowing fluid communication between the inlets and outlets by way of the rotor channels and according to the design of the inlets, outlets and rotor channels. The stator chip includes a first planar substrate having a contact face and a second planar substrate having a contact face bonded to the contact face of the first planar substrate. The first planar substrate defines a first portion of the inlet and outlet, and the second planar substrate defines a second portion of the inlet and outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2001Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventors: Herbert Hartshorne, Graham McKinon, Pengguang Yu, Darren Lewis
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Patent number: 6575196Abstract: A valve cartridge for controlling the flow of fluid between a fluid source and a fluid outlet has a valve body with a rotatable ceramic disk and fixed ceramic disk. A biasing element is disposed between the rotatable ceramic disk and the valve body for biasing the rotatable ceramic disk against the fixed ceramic disk. The fixed ceramic disk is additionally secured against the valve body to retain it independently of the biasing element, thus effectively removing the fixed ceramic disk from the stack up.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2002Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Amerikam, Inc.Inventor: Robert S. Creswell
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Publication number: 20030098076Abstract: A multi-function, random access, dual, three-way valve for use with fluid switching and the like is provided, whereby a first fluid flow to the valve is selectively placed in fluid communication with a first or a second outlet passage from the valve for selectively transferring the first fluid flow and a second fluid flow to the valve is, independent of the flow path of the first fluid, selectively placed in fluid communication with a third or a fourth outlet from the valve for simultaneously transferring the second fluid flow. A rotor element rotatably movable relative to a stationary stator element to at least four discrete angular positions actuates to multi-function switching capabilities of the valve when the rotor element is selectively placed in one of the at least four discrete positions. The valve directs the first fluid flow to one of two alternate outlet passages and, simultaneously and independently, directs the second fluid flow to one of at least two different outlet passages.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2001Publication date: May 29, 2003Applicant: Rheodyne, LPInventor: Jon A. Nichols
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Patent number: 6557573Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a fluid fertilizer distributor (10, 200, 300, or 400) for distributing fluid fertilizer conducted from a supply vessel (11) to each of a plurality of applicator lines (44). The fluid distributor may regulate a fluid fertilizer flow rate by selectively moving a flow restrictor (50, 250, 350, or 450) relative to the distributor housing. The distributor housing may include a supply inlet port (12, 212, 312, or 412) and a plurality of distributor outlet ports (16, 216, 316, or 416) each for fluid communication with a respective one of the plurality of applicator lines (44). The fluid distributor may separate the fluid fertilizer into a plurality of fluid flow paths prior to reducing the pressure in the fluid to avoid gas flashing or vaporization prior to separation.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.Inventor: Spencer M. Nimberger
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Patent number: 6550497Abstract: A multipath valve for distributing and/or dividing at least one flow of polymer melt during the manufacture and processing thereof, wherein melt flows through all internal chambers of the valve during all conditions of operation. At least one rotary disc is rotatably mounted on an axle bolt between a front plate and a rear plate which are each provided with openings serving as inlets and outlets for the polymer melt. The rotary disc is provided with circular segment-shaped ducts having a width and end radii corresponding to an inner width of the openings, wherein the ducts have center lines which are located on a reference circle extending through the centers of the openings, and wherein the positions of the ducts are adjustable in accordance with a desired flow direction of the polymer melt.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Gneuss Kunststofftechnik GmbHInventors: Ulrich K. Thiele, Detlef Gneuss
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Patent number: 6550496Abstract: A rotary doser valve includes a stator with a plurality of ports therein which cooperates with a rotor having a plurality of channels therein. The rotor is rotatable against the stator in first and second positions which alternately channel water to and from a doser for refilling an icemaker in a preferred use.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jerome Johnson Tiemann, Andrew Philip Shapiro, Walter Whipple, III, Richard DeVos
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Patent number: 6537451Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary valve that makes it possible to link several groups of hoses referenced group G1, group G2, and group G3. The valve includes a stator (40) that is provided with means (E, F, R, S) for circulating fluid or fluids of group 1, means (45, 46) for passing at least two fluids F1, F2 that belong to group G3, and a rotor (47) that is equipped with means (9) for passing fluids of group G3 and also means (50) that make possible the linking either of fluids of G1 with group G3 or fluids of group G3 with G3.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2000Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventor: Gérard Hotier
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Patent number: 6533846Abstract: A rotary module for implementing a high frequency pressure swing adsorption process includes a stator having a number of function compartments opening into the stator valve faces, a rotor rotatably coupled to the stator and including a number of apertures opening into the rotor valve faces, and a self-regulating clearance-type valve seal positioned between the valve faces of the stator and rotor so as to regulate the rate of gas flow between the stator and the rotor. Each valve seal includes a sealing face disposed adjacent a respective one of the rotor valve faces and is pivotable relative to the respective rotor valve face for varying the gas flow rate in accordance with the clearance distance between the sealing face and the respective rotor valve face. Each valve seal also includes a passage which communicates with one of the function compartments for varying the clearance distance in response to a pressure differential between the passage and an approaching aperture.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: QuestAir Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Bowie G. Keefer, Christopher McLean, Les Jeziorowski, Kevin A. Kaupert, Marie-Claude Taponat, Christopher Stoner
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Publication number: 20020195150Abstract: A multi-port valve useful in chromatography or other analytical chemistry processes utilizes a ferrule and clamp assembly to connect a number of tubes or capillaries to a common port in the valve. The use of the clamping assembly, as opposed to conventional connectors such as nuts and/or bolts, permits the capillary ends to be positioned in extremely close proximity to the valve rotor and to each other, thus minimizing the volume between two capillaries when they are in brought into fluid communication with each other. At the same time, the clamps allow for easier connection and disconnection of the tubes or capillaries from the valve body. An operator can twist a screw to tighten the clamp and create a sealed connection without the need for special tools.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventor: Hans G. Schick
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Patent number: 6497250Abstract: A multi-port valve has a housing, a flow plug and a stop. The housing defines a valve cavity and has at least three ports. The flow plug is positionable within the valve cavity between a first position, wherein the flow plug is adapted to prevent flow through a selected first port and a second position wherein the flow plug is adapted to prevent flow through a selected second port. The stop is attachable to the housing so that the stop extends into the cavity and is adapted to engage the flow plug to prevent the flow plug from blocking flow through a selected third port.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2001Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: Praher Canada Products Ltd.Inventor: Dimeder Johann
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Patent number: 6471503Abstract: A rotary disc valve is disclosed which generally includes a housing having an inlet side and an outlet side, and a disc rotatably mounted within the housing between the inlet side and the outlet side thereof. The disc includes an outlet bore which is generally aligned with the axis of rotation of the disc and extends from the outlet face of the disc partially through the disc. One or more inlet bores spaced radially outwardly from the axis of rotation of the disc extend from the inlet face of the disc partially through the disc and communicate with the outlet bore. The inlet bore or bores are located such that a bore may be selectively brought into communication with a single one of inlet side passages by rotating the disc until the bore is aligned with the desired passage. Since the outlet bore and an outlet passage are aligned along the center of rotation of the disc, the outlet bore stays in constant communication with the outlet passage in the outlet side of the housing as the disc is rotated.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Burger & Brown Engineering, Inc.Inventors: Wayne A. Priest, Teryl K. Rouse, Mark A. Brown, Kendall D. Foos, Joe D. Blubaugh
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Publication number: 20020148516Abstract: A ceramic disc diverter valve for use with a water treatment device. The diverter includes a movable disc sandwiched between two stationary discs. The movable disc is rotated between three different positions to deliver a stream of untreated water, a spray of untreated water or a flow of treated water. When delivering treated water, the diverter directs the flow of water out of a secondary outlet to a water treatment device. The treated water is returned to the diverter through a secondary inlet and is discharged from the diverter through a treated water outlet. When delivering untreated water, both the secondary inlet and the secondary outlet are sealed by the ceramic discs. The movable disc preferably includes an integral handle that protrudes from the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2001Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventors: Eric K. Bartkus, Bradley J. Pippel
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Patent number: 6460564Abstract: A rotary-plug shut-off valve (10) of the type having a valve chamber (20) with multiple inlets includes: an actuator chamber (26); a base member (36) forming (a) an end of the actuator chamber (26) and (b) a guide (44); a vacuum-reactive member (48) movable with respect to the base member (36); a spring (54) in axial compression and rotational tension between the base member (36) and the vacuum-reactive member (48) and compressible by vacuum force on the vacuum-reactive member (48); and a piston (60) affixed to the vacuum-reactive member (48) and slidable 1) with respect to the rotary plug (22) and 2) with respect to the base member guide (44), to achieve automatic shut-off when vacuum pressures in protected line are too intense.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Inventors: Dieter J. Rief, Hans Schlitzer
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Patent number: 6457485Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary valve assembly for a pressure swing adsorption system. The rotary valve assembly includes a first valve member and a second valve member relatively rotatable about a common center of rotation to provide valving action for selectively transferring fluids therethrough. The second valve member has a first fluid section with at least one aperture adapted for transferring a first fluid of a first pressure and composition therethrough and a second fluid section with at least one aperture adapted for transferring a second fluid of a second pressure and composition therethrough. The first valve member has a first fluid section with at least one passage for transferring the first fluid in the valve assembly and a second fluid section with at least one passage for transferring the second fluid in the valve assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2001Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: SeQual Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Theodore B. Hill, Charles C. Hill, Adam C. Hansen
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Publication number: 20020134442Abstract: A ball valve includes a body, two side covers, a central shaft, a handle, a ball, and two ball pads. The ball defines a main flow hole and a secondary flow hole perpendicular to and is not communicated with the main flow hole. One ball pad defines a main passage hole and a secondary passage hole corresponding to the main flow hole and the secondary flow hole. One side cover defines a main through hole and a secondary through hole corresponding to the main passage hole and secondary passage hole. When the secondary flow hole, the secondary passage hole, and the secondary through hole communicate with each other, a fluid contained in a pipe is introduced to outside of the ball valve, so that the fluid contained the pipe can be sampled without having to dismantle the pipe, thereby facilitating a sampling work in each section of the pipe.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2001Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventor: James Wang
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Publication number: 20020124895Abstract: A multipath valve for distributing and/or dividing at least one flow of polymer melt during the manufacture and processing thereof, wherein melt flows through all internal chambers of the valve during all conditions of operation. At least one rotary disc is rotatably mounted on an axle bolt between a front plate and a rear plate which are each provided with openings serving as inlets and outlets for the polymer melt. The rotary disc is provided with circular segment-shaped ducts having a width and end radii corresponding to an inner width of the openings, wherein the ducts have center lines which are located on a reference circle extending through the centers of the openings, and wherein the positions of the ducts are adjustable in accordance with a desired flow direction of the polymer melt.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2001Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventors: Ulrich K. Thiele, Detlef Gneuss
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Patent number: 6447678Abstract: Regeneration of water treatment media is disclosed which includes a water treatment unit having one or more media therein, and which upon initiation of flow of the water, imparts turbulence and abrasion to the treatment medium to automatically cleanse the medium of light solid contaminants, as well as contaminant coatings on the media. This greatly improves the operation of the media and extends its life. In addition, the water treatment unit disclosed may simply be rotated through any one of a number of positions between service, backwash, flush, off, and/or bypass operational modes for further regeneration of the treatment media.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Inventor: Yiu Chau Chau
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Publication number: 20020092869Abstract: A rotary doser valve includes a stator with a plurality of ports therein which cooperates with a rotor having a plurality of channels therein. The rotor is rotatable against the stator in first and second positions which alternately channel water to and from a doser for refilling an icemaker in a preferred use.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: Jerome Johnson Tiemann, Andrew Philip Shapiro, Walter Whipple,, Richard DeVos
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Patent number: 6394127Abstract: A water faucet assembly comprises a spout, a water supply port, a filter, and a valve. Fluid flow is stopped, between the water supply port and the filter inlet, before fluid communication is closed, between the filter outlet and the spout, as the valve is moved from on to off position when the water supply port is connected to a water source.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2001Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Amerikam, Inc.Inventors: Robert S. Creswell, Jimmie D. Chrysler
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Patent number: 6390127Abstract: A multi-port injection/selection valve utilizes a ferrule cluster to connect tubes or capillaries to a common port in the valve. The use of micro ferrule clusters, as opposed to conventional connectors such as nuts and/or bolts, permits the capillary ends to be positioned in extremely close proximity to the valve rotor and to each other, thus minimizing the volume between two capillaries when they are in brought into fluid communication with each other.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Upchurch Scientific, Inc.Inventor: Hans Gunther Schick
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Patent number: 6361051Abstract: A cylindrically curved rectangular face seal is provided for a cross-ported barrel type rotary valve member. The seal has a central flow orifice therethrough with an annular raised rib formed about the orifice and extending in a radial direction from the concave inner face of the seal. The opposite edges of the seal extending in an axial direction each have a notch or rib thereon for axial sliding engagement in grooves provided in the valve body. The annular rib about the orifice accommodates dimensional variation in the valve parts to ensure a rotary sliding seal on the rotary valve member.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1999Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Eaton CoporationInventor: Christopher J. Babin
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Publication number: 20010054447Abstract: An improved structure faucet water diversion device comprised of a body having disposed in the center a stepped bore and in its lateral surface and contiguous with the stepped bore is a threaded hole and a horizontal columnar passage penetrating the stepped through-hole such that a revolvable liquid rechannelling shaft can be pivotably installed into the horizontal columnar passage and a water output coupling screwed into the threaded hole. Respectively installed to the upper and lower extent of the body is a ring nut and a water filtering spout. The revolvable liquid rechannelling shaft consists of a round chambered column having a revolvable button-type handle situated at one end and disposed in the column in a crisscrossed arrangement and also perpendicular to its axial center is a through-hole and a stepped hole, and nested in the stepped hole is a steel ball and a spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2001Publication date: December 27, 2001Inventor: Chu-Cheng Kuo
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Publication number: 20010047834Abstract: The present invention has for its object an assembly with a gate valve or distribution or a closure valve, as well as a device for the circulation and distribution of fluid comprising such an assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2000Publication date: December 6, 2001Inventors: Denis Menin, David Guyon
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Publication number: 20010045235Abstract: A multi-port injection/selection valve utilizes a ferrule cluster to connect tubes or capillaries to a common port in the valve. The use of micro ferrule clusters, as opposed to conventional connectors such as nuts and/or bolts, permits the capillary ends to be positioned in extremely close proximity to the valve rotor and to each other, thus minimizing the volume between two capillaries when they are in brought into fluid communication with each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2001Publication date: November 29, 2001Inventor: Hans Gunther Schick
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Patent number: 6311719Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary valve assembly for a pressure swing adsorption system. The rotary valve assembly includes a first valve member and a second valve member relatively rotatable about a common center of rotation to provide valving action for selectively transferring fluids therethrough. The second valve member has a first fluid section with at least one aperture adapted for transferring a first fluid of a first pressure and composition therethrough and a second fluid section with at least one aperture adapted for transferring a second fluid of a second pressure and composition therethrough. The first valve member has a first fluid section with at least one passage for transferring the first fluid in the valve assembly and a second fluid section with at least one passage for transferring the second fluid in the valve assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1999Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Sequal Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Theodore B. Hill, Charles C. Hill, Adam C. Hansen
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Patent number: 6273134Abstract: A sterilizer valve including a valve body with an inlet, an outlet, a vent, and a centerbore intersecting the inlet, outlet and vent. The valve further includes a valve stem having a shot chamber for holding a volume of sterilizing fluid, a fill passage having one end in fluid communication with the shot chamber and a second end intersecting the exterior surface at a fill port. The valve stem also has fluid communicating paths extending through the interior and disposed in an external surface of the valve stem. The valve stem is rotatably disposed in the centerbore of the valve body to selectively fluidly connect the shot chamber with the vent through the fluid communication paths upon the valve stem having different rotational positions with respect to the valve body.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1999Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Barnstead/Thermolyne CorporationInventors: James R. Edwards, Francis J. Lahey, Kerry W. Leppert
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Patent number: 6267143Abstract: A multi-port injection/selection valve utilizes a ferrule cluster to connect tubes or capillaries to a common port in the valve. The use of micro ferrule clusters, as opposed to conventional connectors such as nuts and/or bolts, permits the capillary ends to be positioned in extremely close proximity to the valve rotor and to each other, thus minimizing the volume between two capillaries when they are in brought into fluid communication with each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1999Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: Upchurch Scientific, Inc.Inventor: Hans Gunther Schick
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Publication number: 20010008148Abstract: In an air passage switching device using a film-type sliding door for an air-conditioning unit for a vehicle. A grid member is provided in an air passage to extend parallel with the sliding direction of a sliding door and divide an opening of the air passage into a plurality of smaller openings. The sliding door has a film member, a door plate supporting the film member, and elastic pressing means for pressing the film member against edge seal faces of the air passage. A grill spacing between the door plate and the end face of the grid member, is larger than an edge seal face spacing between the door plate and the edge seal faces.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2001Publication date: July 19, 2001Inventors: Koichi Ito, Haruki Ikuta, Toshio Torii
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Patent number: 6240946Abstract: A switch valve 10 is provided with an upper body 14 having a plurality of outlet ports 20A, 20B, and 20C and a lower body housing 16 with inlet port 18. The switch valve includes a ball member 22 which is rotatable within the switch valve body 12 for selective fluid communication between the inlet port 18 and the selected one of the plurality of outlet ports. The ball 22 is rotated by a stem 28, which may be powered by an actuator unit. The upper body 14 includes a substantially dome-shaped seating surface 40 for sealing engagement with the outer surface 38 of the ball. The biasing member 48 biases the ball radially in a direction opposite the ball inlet port 24 to obtain the desired sealing engagement. The biasing member is preferably a Belleville spring 48 having a single wrap design.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1998Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: Tyco Flow Control, Inc.Inventor: Marvin E. Beasley