Pilot-actuated Patents (Class 137/625.6)
  • Patent number: 11618043
    Abstract: A showerhead system is operable in different discharge modes and a combination of discharge modes. The showerhead system includes a manifold that restricts the total water discharge rate to a threshold value regardless of whether the showerhead operates in a single discharge mode or a combination of discharge modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventor: David Lee
  • Patent number: 11408531
    Abstract: A spool valve capable of suppressing deterioration of position controllability of a spool due to misalignment includes: a housing including a spool hole; a spool inserted into the spool hole of the housing so as to be movable in an axial direction; and an electric actuator configured to move the spool in the axial direction. The electric actuator includes: an electric motor configured to rotate an output shaft; a linear-motion converting mechanism including a linear-motion member configured to be linearly movable, the linear-motion converting mechanism being configured to convert a rotational motion of the output shaft into a linear motion of the linear-motion member; and a coupling member coupling the linear-motion member and the spool moves in accordance with the linear motion of the linear-motion member. The coupling member allows one of tilt and eccentricity of an axis of the spool relative to an axis of the linear-motion member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shinji Narita, Hideki Tanaka, Kazuto Fujiyama, Kazuya Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 11353124
    Abstract: A valve for a well system including a valve housing including a first housing port, a second housing port, and a bore, a piston received in the bore and including a first end, a second end, and an annular flange including a first annular surface and a second annular surface both of which are in fluid communication with the second housing port, a piston seal disposed in the outer surface of the piston and in sealing engagement with an inner surface of the bore, and a cage assembly that includes a cage including a bore, a first cage port, a second cage port, and a third cage port, and a spool disposed in the cage and coupled to the piston, the spool including a throughbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco, L.P.
    Inventors: James W. Weir, Jonathan Lewis Buelow
  • Patent number: 11272674
    Abstract: A flow control system for an irrigation sprinkler can include a service valve having an inlet, a first fluid port, a second fluid port, a third fluid port, and/or a valve piston having a valve piston inlet and a valve piston outlet. The system can include a pilot valve and a vent line. The system can include a filter in fluid communication with the inlet of the service valve. The valve piston can be configured to move vertically with respect to the first, second, and third fluid ports between first, second, and third valve positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald H. Anuskiewicz, David W. Davidson, Michael A. Huelsman
  • Patent number: 11262768
    Abstract: A cap with electromagnetic proportional valve, includes a pilot cap mounted on a valve housing and defining a pilot chamber, and an electromagnetic proportional valve mounted on the pilot cap and adapted to control a pressure of a working fluid supplied to the pilot chamber. The pilot cap includes a supply port into which a working fluid of a fluid pressure supply source is supplied, a discharge port from which the working fluid is discharged to the tank, a primary pressure passage which leads the working fluid at a primary pressure to the electromagnetic proportional valve from the supply port, a secondary pressure passage which leads the working fluid whose pressure is reduced to a secondary pressure by the electromagnetic proportional valve to the pilot chamber, and a drain passage which leads the working fluid discharged from the electromagnetic proportional valve to the discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: KYB CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Kitani, Nobuyoshi Yoshida
  • Patent number: 11224960
    Abstract: A powered fastener driver includes a housing, a nosepiece coupled to the housing and extending therefrom, a driver blade, a canister magazine coupled to the nosepiece, a pusher mechanism coupled to the nosepiece, and a cam. The pusher mechanism includes a body coupled to the nosepiece, a feeder arm pivotably coupled to the body, and a lever pivotably coupled to the nosepiece. The lever has a first end that is engageable with the body for imparting reciprocating translation to the body relative to the nosepiece in response to pivoting movement of the lever in opposite directions about the pivot axis. A cam is engaged with a second end of the lever for imparting pivoting movement to the lever. The feeder arm is engageable with individual fasteners in the nosepiece for sequentially pushing the fasteners into the driver channel in response to reciprocation of the body relative to the nosepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Casey D. Garces, Andrew P. Rux
  • Patent number: 11105416
    Abstract: A pressure back-up valve (300) includes a release piston (320) movable between first and second stop positions and a closing body (340) movable to a closing position in which this separates first and second connection pressure chambers (327, 326) when the release piston (320) is in a first stop position. The release piston (320) moves the closing body (340), in the second stop position, into an opening position. The release piston (320) is pressurizable on a first pressure surface (A1) from a first side via a third connection pressure chamber (324) and on a second pressure surface (A2) from a second side via a second connection pressure chamber (326). The closing body (340) is pressurized, in the closing position, from a first side via the second connection pressure chamber (326) on a first pressure surface (A4) and from a second side via the first connection pressure chamber (327) on a second pressure surface (A3) of the closing body (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Florian Langenbacher, Tobias Schmidt, Hans-Joachim Martin, Rainer Novak
  • Patent number: 10598194
    Abstract: A fluid valve assembly for controlling a single-acting or double-acting actuator comprises a valve body having a central bore with at least one supply port for receiving a supply of fluid under pressure, at least one actuator port (C1,C2) for providing a control fluid pressure to an actuator, and at least one exhaust port (EX1,EX2). At least one pair of counter-acting metering edges operationally tied together by a stem movable within central bore in an axial direction a pilot force. Each metering edge of each counter-acting pair comprises a mating seat surface (PS1,PS2,PS3,PS4) on the valve body or the stem, and a poppet ring (PR1,PR2, PR3,PR4) supported by a flexible element (SD1,SD2,SD3,SD4) to the valve body or the stem in a manner allowing a relative axial movement of the poppet ring and the supporting valve body or stem also in a closed state of the respective metering edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: METSO FLOW CONTROL OY
    Inventors: Jan Gunell, Kalle Vuorio
  • Patent number: 10494791
    Abstract: A flow control valve for a construction machine includes a boom valve block connected to a hydraulic pump; a boom spool coupled to the boom valve block so as to be slidably moved, and switched on by the supply of pilot signal pressure in order to carry out a boom-up or boom-down operation, thereby controlling the hydraulic oil supplied from the hydraulic pump to a boom cylinder; a boom-up flow control arrangement for supplying the hydraulic oil from the hydraulic pump to the large chamber of the boom cylinder through the boom spool, when switching on the boom spool in order to carry out the boom-up operation; and a boom-down flow control arrangement for returning a part of the hydraulic oil, which returns from the large chamber of the boom cylinder, to the hydraulic tank through the boom spool only at a predetermined pressure or higher, when the boom spool is switched on in order to carry out the boom-down operation, wherein the part of the hydraulic oil, which returns from the large chamber of the boom cylin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Min-Heuk Kang, Jin-Wook Kim
  • Patent number: 10330130
    Abstract: A valve for controlling a hydropneumatic device for pressure intensifying having a working plunger and an intensifier plunger for pressure intensifying, the intensifier plunger being designed to move the working plunger hydraulically with a comparatively high transmission ratio on account of a pneumatic actuation, the valve having a differential plunger arrangement with a first plunger with a first active plunger face in a first pressure space and a second plunger with a second active plunger face in a second pressure space, the first plunger being coupled to the second plunger, the first pressure space being equipped with a first connector for, for example, a pneumatic return stroke space of the working plunger, and the second pressure space being equipped with a second connector for a pneumatic pressure source which differs from the return stroke space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Tox Pressotechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Eberhard Dietzel, Manfred Gresser, Albert Rankel
  • Patent number: 10180106
    Abstract: A solenoid for a bleed valve includes a solenoid body with an actuation fluid passage, a bleed valve passage, and a drive fluid chamber. A main armature is disposed within the solenoid body and is movable between open and closed positions, the actuation fluid passage being in fluid communication with the control outlet in the open position, the actuation fluid passage being fluidly isolated from the bleed valve passage in the second position. A pilot armature is disposed within the solenoid body, is movable relative to the main armature, and is operably coupled to the main armature by the drive fluid chamber to move the main armature between the open and closed positions by controlling issue of a drive fluid into and out of the drive fluid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Lubomir A. Ribarov, Leo J. Veilleux, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9863544
    Abstract: A pressure-regulating valve assembly includes a sleeve body and a spool. The sleeve body has an interior surface and a sense port. The spool has an external surface and is slideably received within the sleeve body such that the external spool surface and the sleeve body interior surface define therebetween a plurality of sleeve body chambers. A first of the sleeve body interior chambers is a deadheaded chamber in fluid communication with the environment external to the sleeve body through the sense port for controlling pressure of fluid traversing the pressure-regulating valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn C. Lemmers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9822900
    Abstract: A pneumatic mixing valve is provided, which includes a housing that defines a first inlet, a second inlet and an outlet. The first inlet is coupled to a first fluid source and the second inlet is coupled to a second fluid source. The housing defines a first chamber and a second chamber. The pneumatic mixing valve includes a mixing system. The mixing system includes a piston that is movable by at least one of the first fluid and the second fluid. The housing defines a fluid passageway that extends from near the first inlet to the second chamber and the pneumatic mixing valve includes an actuator that is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the fluid passageway is closed such the outlet is open, and in the second position, the fluid passageway is open such that the outlet is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC
    Inventor: Robert Franconi
  • Patent number: 9822804
    Abstract: Provided is a double nozzle type positioner, which includes a flapper (1), a first nozzle (2) and a second nozzle (3) disposed at both sides based on the flapper (1), a first orifice (4) configured to maintain a constant pressure of the first nozzle (2), a second orifice (5) configured to maintain a constant pressure of the second nozzle (3), a first pilot valve (6) having an input portion connected to a feed pressure, a second pilot valve (7) having an input portion connected to an output portion of the first pilot valve (6), a discharge hole (8) connected to an output portion of the second pilot valve (7), and an actuator (9) connected to the output portion of the first pilot valve (6) and the input portion of the second pilot valve (7). If the first nozzle (2) is opened due to the movement of the flapper (1), the second nozzle (3) is closed, and if the first nozzle (2) is closed, the second nozzle (3) is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Young Tech Co., LTD
    Inventor: Du Gi Min
  • Patent number: 9802071
    Abstract: A valve control device for fire-extinguishing piping includes a deluge valve whose water-pressure control chamber is connected to a water inlet manifold and a water outlet manifold. The water outlet manifold has an adjustable-pressure valve, a constant-pressure valve, and a switch valve. The water inlet manifold guides fire-extinguishing water to the water-pressure control chamber for pressure accumulation. The water outlet manifold guides the fire-extinguishing water in the water-pressure control chamber to the water outlet passage. The water outlet manifold controls when the fire-extinguishing water is discharged using the switch valve. The constant-pressure valve performs first water-pressure control on the fire-extinguishing water in the water-pressure control chamber and in the water outlet manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: PROTECTOR SAFETY IND., LTD.
    Inventor: Jung-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 9643310
    Abstract: Lubrication system includes a drive fluid valve member and a detune valve member. The drive fluid valve member is movable from a first to a second position in response to drive fluid pressure to reduce the volume of a variable volume lubricant charge chamber. The detune valve member is movable from a first to a second position in response to lubricant pressure within the lubricant charge chamber, and is adapted to permit fluid communication between inlet and bypass fluid passages in its the first position and to disengage the fluid connection in its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Cody Moore
  • Patent number: 9625053
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, an apparatus that includes a valve with a valve housing having an axial bore, a first inlet port, a first outlet port, and a piston located within the axial bore and having a first fluid passage and configured to allow reciprocal axial movement of the piston within the axial bore between a first position in which the first fluid passage aligns axially with the first inlet port and the first outlet port to form a first fluidic circuit, and a second position in which the piston blocks at least one of the first inlet port and the first outlet port. The apparatus also includes a lockout assembly configurable to fix the piston into a selected position in a first configuration, and not interfere with reciprocal axial movement of the piston in a second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Hoemke, Shawn Justin Pollock, Adam J. Kurzynski, Aaron Hrdlichka
  • Patent number: 9618140
    Abstract: A microvalve includes a first plate having a surface defining an actuator cavity. A second plate has a surface that abuts the surface of the first plate and includes a displaceable member that is disposed within the actuator cavity for movement between a closed position, wherein the displaceable member prevents fluid communication through the microvalve, and an opened position, wherein the displaceable member does not prevent fluid communication through the microvalve. An actuator is connected to the displaceable member and has only one or two pairs of actuator ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: DunAn Microstaq, Inc.
    Inventors: Parthiban Arunasalam, E. Nelson Fuller, Joe A. Ojeda, Sr., Gengxun K. Gurley, Chen Yang
  • Patent number: 9453580
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides air-tight mechanical valves. In a general embodiment, the valves include a shaft and a segmented sleeve. The shaft includes a plurality of shaft ports distributed around a circumference of the shaft. The sleeve is configured to fit concentrically around the shaft and includes a body having at least two body pieces, at least one internal seal, and at least one set of a plurality of sleeve ports distributed around a circumference of the body. The plurality of sleeve ports cooperates with the plurality of shaft ports to facilitate fluid flow. The valves of the present disclosure advantageously reduce losses of pressure and compressed air during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: James Arnau, Marc Bilodeau, Robert Leone, Glen Wright
  • Patent number: 9447871
    Abstract: Various devices and methods are provided for a multiple pressure ratio valve assembly that can be used in a plurality of systems requiring different operating pressures. In one embodiment, a multi-pressure ratio valve is provided, the valve having a fluid bypass portion and being configurable into a plurality of pressure ratio configurations by selectively blocking a portion of the fluid bypass such that the pressure ratio of the valve assembly may be varied. Embodiments of the invention may also include a valve sleeve configured for use in a plurality of transmissions, the multi-pressure ratio valve being configured to be slidably disposed within the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Sonnax Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd V. Mangiagli, Maura J. Stafford, Donald G. Parrott
  • Patent number: 9376908
    Abstract: A pipe conveyed extendable well logging assembly includes a deployment system for extending and retracting a well logging tool relative to the pipe while downhole. The logging tool may be releasably latched to the pipe, and may include position sensors for position feedback and depth correction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley Neil Ludwig, John Hudson Hales, Flint R. George, Ronald E. Cherry
  • Patent number: 9273796
    Abstract: A sanitary valve system having a sanitary valve in a valve housing with at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the sanitary valve having at least one surface formed of a hygienic material that prevents growth of bacteria or fungus and is configured to control a flow from the inlet to the outlet by means of a valve regulating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Kmatic ApS
    Inventors: Poul Elholm Jakobsen, Peter Espersen
  • Patent number: 9238312
    Abstract: A plastic injection mold which allows extracting the air from inside it during the injection process, and an extraction method, where the mold includes closing means, one or more injection cavities provided with at least one injection nozzle for introducing the hot material in a liquid state and at least one ejector device formed by a housing for an ejector pin responsible for extracting the part already molded, where an air duct connected to a vacuum pump or a suction device intercepts the housings of the ejector pins causing a suction of the air from inside the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: COMERCIAL DE UTILES Y MOLDES, S.A.
    Inventors: Alberto Navarra Pruna, Jorge de Fortuny Pala
  • Patent number: 9217341
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a tool powered by a drive fluid is provided. The lubrication system includes a reservoir configured to deliver a lubricant and a plunger disposed within the reservoir. The plunger is configured to selectively generate a pilot signal based on a level of the lubricant. The lubrication system further includes a valve having a housing. The housing includes a drive fluid inlet and a drive fluid outlet. The valve also includes a pilot spool configured to move from a neutral position to an actuated position in response to the pilot signal. The valve further includes a main spool selectively actuated by a pressure of the drive fluid to move from a first position to a second position in response to the movement of the pilot spool such that in the second position the drive fluid inlet is in fluid communication with the drive fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle C. Hiner, Lauritz P. Pillers, II
  • Publication number: 20150090813
    Abstract: A pilot valve switch mechanism of a shower system includes a fixed portion and a valve spool. The fixed portion is has an inlet waterway, a first and second outlet waterway and a control hole that can connect to the outlet waterways. The first outlet waterway has a first outlet and the second outlet waterway has a second outlet. The valve spool is slidably assembled inside the fixed portion vertically to the inlet waterway, and has a slim hole connected to the inlet waterway. The valve spool and the fixed portion form a pressure cavity. The control hole and the slim hole are connected to the pressure cavity. The pressure cavity is controlled by the control hole to drive the valve spool to move along the inlet waterway to close the first or second outlet, switching the inlet waterway to connect to the first or second outlet waterway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicants: XIAMEN SOLEX HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mingfu ZHANG, Lei WANG, Xiaofeng YANG, Huasong ZHOU
  • Publication number: 20150090354
    Abstract: A pilot-operated spool valve includes a body defining a bore. A supply port and a load port are in fluid communication with the bore. A spool is disposed in the longitudinal bore, and the spool and the body cooperate to define a command chamber at a first end of the spool, which command chamber is adapted to receive fluid at a command pressure supplied to the body. The spool is movable in the bore to control fluid communication between the supply port and the load port. A pressure space is defined in at least one of the body and the spool between the command chamber and both of the supply port and the load port in all operative positions of the spool. The pressure space is supplied with pressurized fluid such that leakage from the command chamber is minimized or eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: DUNAN MICROSTAQ, INC.
    Inventor: Harry A. Hunnicutt
  • Publication number: 20150090811
    Abstract: A combined pilot valve mechanism and a shower system are applied with the combined pilot valve mechanism. By switching to close the control hole, the first water diversion hole or the second water diversion hole to control the pressures of the pressure cavity, the valve spool is driven to move to alternately close the first outlet or the second outlet, so that the inlet waterway is switched to connect to the first outlet waterway, the first water diversion hole or the second water diversion hole. As the shower system is applied with a combined pilot valve mechanism, which utilizes the control hole to switch the waterways, thus preventing the main pipe from great water pressure. The diameter of the control hole can be smaller, so that the water pressure of the button mechanism can be ignored, only friction and light elastic force of the spring exist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicants: XIAMEN SOLEX HIGH-TECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yulin WU, Mingfu ZHANG, Bin CAO, Huasong ZHOU
  • Publication number: 20150090812
    Abstract: A pilot valve switch mechanism and combined shower applied with the pilot valve switch mechanism includes a fixed portion and a valve spool. The fixed portion includes an inlet waterway, a first outlet waterway, a second outlet waterway and a control hole capable to connect to the outlet waterways. The first outlet waterway has a first outlet. The second outlet waterway has a second outlet. The valve spool is slidably assembled inside the fixed portion along the inlet waterway, with a slim hole connected to the inlet waterway. The valve spool and the fixed portion form a pressure cavity, which is connected to the control hole and the slim hole. The control hole controls the water pressure of the pressure cavity to drive the valve spool to close the first or second outlet, connecting the inlet waterway to the first or second outlet waterway. The control hole switches the waterways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicants: Xiamen Solex High-tech Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yulin WU, Mingfu ZHANG, Yuehua QIU, Huasong ZHOU
  • Patent number: 8973922
    Abstract: A height control valve assembly having a housing with an air supply port, first and second ports, and an exhaust port. A valve positioned in the housing has a first surface in fluid communication with the air supply port and a second surface. The valve moves between first and second positions, in which the second surface sealingly engages a portion of the housing surrounding the first and second ports, respectively, to prevent fluid from flowing between the air supply port and the first and second ports, respectively. The valve is moveable from either of the first and second positions to a fill position, in which the air supply port is in fluid communication with one of the first and second ports, and an exhaust position, in which one of the first and second ports is in fluid communication with the exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Haldex Brake Products Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Koelzer
  • Patent number: 8973609
    Abstract: A valve assembly for regulating the pressure of a pressure medium (2) of a pressure medium pump (3) to at least one first consumer (4) includes a pilot-controlled pressure control valve (5) with a main piston (6) acted on by the pressure medium (2) and a pilot piston (7). A pressure chamber (8) between a piston back side (9) of the main piston (6) and the pilot piston (7) can be relieved. A relief valve (10) is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to the pressure chamber (8), opens when pressure at the load sensor (LS) represents an out-of-operation mode of the consumer (4), and recirculates pressure medium (2) having a low pressure to a pressure medium reservoir (11) or to the pressure medium pump (3). The relief valve (10) closes when the pressure at the load sensor (LS) represents an in-operation mode of the consumer (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hydac Fluidtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Philipp Hilzendegen, Peter Bruck, Hermann Albert
  • Publication number: 20150020905
    Abstract: Embodiments of a directional valve assembly that provides a single device with functionality of a two-position design for automated operation and functionality of a three-position design for manual operation. The embodiments can include a housing with a piston chamber and a spool member that transits in the housing to regulate the flow of a working fluid to a cylinder. The embodiments can also have one or more pilot operators that regulate the flow of pilot air into the piston chamber to move the spool member between two positions, i.e., two open positions. The embodiments can also have a manual operator (e.g., a lever) that can move the spool to the open positions and to a closed position. In one embodiment, the spool member is configured to remain in either a first position, a second position, or a third position in the absence of an outside stimulus on the pilot operators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee Richard Strobel
  • Publication number: 20150013805
    Abstract: A change-over valve comprises a spool housed in a spool housing, and a pilot chamber facing at least an end of the spool. An axial passage is formed in the spool along the axial direction. While being connected to a pilot chamber, the axial passage communicates with a tank passage via a small hole having an opening on an outer periphery of the spool in accordance with displacement of the spool, to discharge the air in the pilot chamber to the tank passage. Since the axial passage is formed at a location offset from a center axis of the spool, a length of the small hole is shortened and the small hole is easily processed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Takeshi Terao
  • Publication number: 20140345699
    Abstract: A vent valve according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a sensing sleeve defining a sensing chamber and a vent channel for venting fluid out of the sensing chamber. A sensing piston is moveable within the sensing chamber between an open position and a closed position. The sensing piston allows flow of the fluid into the vent channel during movement of the sensing piston between the open and closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Wakefield, Dean A. Norem
  • Patent number: 8857467
    Abstract: The 4-way valve used to control the operation of a pneumatic motor can be pneumatically operated such as by a pilot valve. The pilot valve (20) works by creating a restriction at the high-pressure air/signal port (22) regardless of the pressure drop up-stream of the pilot valve (20) while still allowing for adequate flow once the valve (20) is actuated. An additional slide valve (24) is added to the pilot valve (20) that restricts the inlet 30 of the pilot valve (20) above the poppet valve (28) that creates a pressure drop, see FIG. 3. The extra pressure drop forces the valve (20) to snap open once the actuator pin (32) contacts the poppet valve (20) to create the hysteresis. Once the valve (20) snaps open, the slide valve (24) moves to uncover the high-pressure ports (22), removing the restriction to ensure that the main 4-way (10) fully actuates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Sean Roman
  • Patent number: 8800594
    Abstract: A fuel return valve and system includes a flow-level select and shut-off valve and a servo control valve. The flow-level select and shut-off valve includes a first fuel inlet, a second fuel inlet, a return-to-tank fuel outlet, and a valve element movable between a shut-off position, a mid-flow position, and a max-flow position. The servo control valve is coupled to the flow-level select and shut-off valve and is configured to control relative fluid pressures therein to selectively move the valve element to the shut-off position, the mid-flow position, and the max-flow position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Futa, Steven Alan Lewis, Larry Portolese
  • Publication number: 20130255809
    Abstract: A valve, in particular a pilot-operated proportional pressure control valve, with a valve housing (5) which has a pressure supply port (7), a working port (9), and a drain port (11), in the valve housing (5) there being a main valve piston (15) which can be moved by a pilot stage (13) for control of the fluid flow between the pressure supply port (7) and the working port (9), with the pilot stage (13) having a valve closing element (43) for a pilot chamber (41), with the valve closing element (43) being movable from an open position (OS) into a closed position (SS) by an actuating apparatus (45), is characterized in that the valve closing element (43) can actuate a leakage reduction stage (53).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Hydac Fluidtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Bruck, Philipp Hilzendegen, Gerd Schneider
  • Publication number: 20130248032
    Abstract: A hydraulic pilot valve arrangement for pilot-controlling a valve includes at least one pilot valve configured to be activated electromagnetically in a pulse-width-modulated fashion. The pilot valve is configured to be activated ballistically or inversely ballistically. A hydraulic valve arrangement including the hydraulic pilot valve arrangement also has a valve configured to be pilot-controlled by the pilot valve arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20130206260
    Abstract: A pilot stage for a jet type servo-valve, the pilot stage including an ejector for ejecting a jet of fluid and that is movable facing a deflector suitable for generating a pressure difference that can be used for moving a spool of the servo-valve. The ejector extends radially projecting from a column to which the ejector is secured and is in fluid-flow communication with a central bore of the column through which the ejector is fed with fluid, the column having a first end that is embedded in the servo-valve and through which the fluid is introduced into the column, and the column has a second end that is subjected to drive from a torque motor for selectively twisting the column in one direction or the other about a rest position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: IN-LHC
    Inventor: Guylain Ozzello
  • Patent number: 8490640
    Abstract: A system for regulating pressure supplied to a transmission control element, includes a control pressure source and line pressure source, a latch valve that opens and closes communication with the line pressure source in response to control pressure, and a regulator valve including a spool for regulating line pressure and producing control element pressure when the latch valve is closed, and an auxiliary piston responsive to line pressure and contacting the spool for connecting line pressure to the control element when the latch valve is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hrudaya Mahapatro, Robert O. Burkhart, John Butwin
  • Patent number: 8453679
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve device, especially in the form of at least one load sensing valve, includes a valve housing (10), a control slide (12) longitudinally movable in the housing and controlling a fluid connection arrangement (14). The fluid connection arrangement includes at least one control pressure line (PST) and at least one supply pressure line (Y). At least for a load sensing connection (LS), a pocket-type channel (18) is arranged between the valve housing (10) and the control slide (12), as well as for a control pressure line (PST) and a supply pressure line (Y). This arrangement enables the available ring channel of the load sensing message chain to be used on axial point of the control slide axle, reducing cost and space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Hydac Filtertechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Winfried Rüb
  • Patent number: 8453678
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body having a valve bore. A valve member is slidably disposed within the valve bore between first and second stop positions. First and second valve elements of the valve member have first and second sealing surfaces equally angled with respect to a valve member longitudinal axis. Each of the first and second sealing surfaces is oriented parallel with conical shaped first and second seat surfaces. Both first and second seat surfaces are equally angled with respect to the longitudinal axis and have an adjustable spacing such that the first sealing surface contacts the first seat surface and the second sealing surface contacts the second seat surface simultaneously in the first stop position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: MAC Valves, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Neff, Jeffrey Simmonds
  • Publication number: 20130112447
    Abstract: A portable driving device for permanently driving stakes, survey flags, posts, or the like, of varying sizes and shapes, into the ground. The invention provides for powering the device by a pressurized fluid with a single power cylinder, a valve control assembly including a self-exhausting spool valve controlled by a rod that runs through the spool valve, and safety switches in series for controlling delivery of pressurized fluid to the driving device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel F. Rohrer, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130105014
    Abstract: An adjustable pilot—actuated valve (230) is provided. The adjustable pilot—actuated valve (230) comprises a housing (331) forming a valve chamber (332), a first piston chamber (338), and a second piston chamber (340). The adjustable pilot—actuated valve (230) further includes a valve spool (333) movable within the valve chamber (332). A first piston (334) is movable within the first piston chamber (338) and includes a first side (334a) and a second side (334b) with the second side (334b) coupled to the valve spool (333). A second piston (335) is movable within the second piston chamber (340) and includes a first side (335a) and a second side (335b) with the second side (335b) coupled to the valve spool (333).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Norgren Limited
    Inventors: Jonathan Brooks, Andy Kirby
  • Publication number: 20130081725
    Abstract: An on-off valve (7) opens/closes flow between a port (P) where compressed air is supplied and a port (A) connected to the outside; and a delay mechanism (8) which opens the on-off valve (7) after a predetermined period of time. The delay mechanism (8) includes: a throttle valve (22); a piston (36); a pressurizing chamber (40); and a communicating passage (42). When a pressure of the compressed air supplied from the first port (P) to the pressurizing chamber (40) reaches a set pressure, a valve opening force exerted on the piston (36) exceeds a valve closing force exerted on the on-off valve (7), and the on-off valve (7) is opened, so that compressed air from the first port (P) is supplied to the outside through the second port (A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Akira Arisato
  • Publication number: 20130025720
    Abstract: A hydraulic control valve for a construction machine is disclosed, which can variably control the flow of hydraulic fluid that is supplied to a hydraulic cylinder to drive a working device. The hydraulic control valve for a construction machine includes a valve block in which an inlet port and an outlet port that communicates with the inlet port is formed, a check valve provided with a first throttling portion to permit the flow of the hydraulic fluid from the inlet port to the outlet port and to variably control the flow of the hydraulic fluid from the outlet port to the inlet port, and a spool provided with a second throttling portion to variably control the flow of the hydraulic fluid from the outlet port to the inlet port through the check valve that is opened when the second throttling portion is shifted by pilot signal pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventor: Bon Seuk Ku
  • Publication number: 20120255638
    Abstract: A hydraulic control valve with a main stage, having spool valves movable in a valve housing having at least four ports and provided with control edges formed on piston collars. A hydraulic pilot stage is provided to control the spool valve of the main stage, and is characterized by the fact that the spool valve of the main stage is designed hollow to form the hydraulic pilot stage. The wall of the hollow spool valve has at least one opening, to which a piston collar formed on the pilot valve is assigned with two control edges arranged on the outside, and in which the pilot valve penetrates a thrust plate inserted into the valve housing, enclosing the spool valve and creating a front pressure chamber for the spool valve to form a defined constant outflow path for the hydraulic fluid introduced into the annular space between spool and pilot valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Parker Hannifin Manufacturing Germany GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Lehner, Frank Baumanns, Viktor Vogel, Walter Krips
  • Publication number: 20120234416
    Abstract: A pilot regulator system includes a housing having a fluid inflow port, a ball valve to regulate fluid flow among two fluid outflow ports, two regulator outputs each associated with one of said two fluid outflow ports, and a regulator selection aperture. An extension portion, generally horizontal to the regulator outputs, is connected to the regulator selection aperture, and includes an open end for access to a selection member that can be moved between two positions to select fluid flow to one of two regulator outputs. The extension portion also has a groove and the selection member has an extension extending through the groove so as to be movable by either the extension or the selection member itself. The extension portion has an expansive cross-sectional element to guide a remote vehicle to the selection member for movement thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Barry J. McMiles
  • Publication number: 20120216895
    Abstract: A fluid flow control device has an inlet, an outlet and an exhaust port all for an operating fluid. A pilot inlet receives a pilot pressure signal which operates a valve stem actuator via a piston. The valve stem is operable to open a supply valve between the inlet and outlet and, to open an exhaust valve disposed between the outlet and the exhaust. In a further position both the valves are closed. A first fluid leak path is provided between the valve stem and the supply valve for allowing fluid to leak through the supply valve chamber when the supply valve is open and a second fluid leak path is defined by the exhaust valve for allowing fluid to leak through the exhaust valve chamber. The leak paths provide for a force balancing arrangement. A quick exhaust feature allows exhaust flow through the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: BIFOLD FLUIDPOWER LIMITED
    Inventors: James Fishwick, Gary T. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 8220478
    Abstract: A main control valve is actuated by a pilot fluid control signal between open and closed positions to supply fluid to an actuator such as a valve actuator. A stack of logic control valves is supported on the main valve- and controls the flow of the pilot signal. Each of the logic control valves has a housing of common design. Intermediate flow-directing plates of different designs provide fluid communication between adjacent housings. The stack has a common pilot feed passage and a common exhaust passage that are each defined by an annular clearance around supporting tie bars that pass through bores in the stack. Each plate has apertures that form part of the exhaust and pilot feed passages and an aperture that interconnects the returning pilot signal with the pilot inlet of the next valve in the stack. The arrangement allows for simplification of the design of the apparatus with a single housing design and multiple plate designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Bifold Fluidpower Limited
    Inventors: Peter James Hamer, James Fishwick
  • Patent number: 8156962
    Abstract: A microvalve device for controlling fluid flow includes a body defining a chamber having first and second ends. The first end is in communication with a source of command pressure. The second end in communication with a source of load pressure. A micromachined spool valve is disposed in the chamber between the first and second ends for sliding movement by differential pressure across the spool between a first position in which allows fluid flow between the source of load pressure and a source of supply pressure and a second position which allows fluid flow between the source of load pressure and a pressure vent. The spool valve has a closed position intermediate the first position and the second position which restricts fluid flow between the source of load pressure and both the source of supply pressure and the pressure vent. The spool valve is moveably connected to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Dunan Microstaq, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Luckevich