Actuator Moves Both Valves Patents (Class 137/630.15)
  • Patent number: 11149736
    Abstract: A turbo pump vent assembly and method are disclosed. The turbo pump vent assembly comprises: a primary manual actuator operable to deliver an initial volume of air to a turbo pump; and a secondary manual actuator operable to deliver a secondary volume of air to the turbo pump, wherein the secondary volume of air is greater than the initial volume of air. In this way, an uncomplex and reliable vent is provided which can deliver initial volumes of air to slow the turbo pump initially. Thereafter, the secondary volume of air may be delivered to slow the turbo pump more rapidly than is possible just using further initial volumes of air. Having an apparatus which can deliver differing volumes of air enables the turbo pump to be slowed safely and more quickly than is possible by delivering just the same sized volumes of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Edwards Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Miles
  • Patent number: 11125105
    Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting a turbomachine may include a trip throttle valve having a throttle valve assembly and a trip valve assembly. The trip valve assembly may include a plurality of trip valves fluidly coupled to a hydraulic cylinder of the throttle valve assembly via a first flow path and a second flow path in parallel with one another. The trip valve assembly may also include a plurality of isolation valves fluidly coupled to the hydraulic cylinder via the first flow path and the second flow path. The plurality of isolation valves may be configured to selectively prevent fluid communication between the plurality of trip valves and the hydraulic cylinder to allow testing of one or more of the plurality of trip valves during operation of the turbomachine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignees: DRESSER-RAND COMPANY, REXA, INC.
    Inventors: Shannon Nimchan, John Limmer, Pedro Lopez, Ken Enos
  • Patent number: 11105453
    Abstract: A pipe coupling member is configured to prevent a coil spring from being plastically deformed or dislodged from a coupling body even when a force acts on a valve element. The pipe coupling member includes a coupling body having a fluid passage, a valve element displaceable in the fluid passage, and a coil spring configured to urge the valve element toward a closed position. The coil spring is formed by helically winding a wire and has a fitting portion fitted and secured in a spring fitting groove, a locking portion contiguous with the fitting portion and having an outer diameter larger than an inner diameter of the fitting portion when fitted in the spring fitting groove, a valve support portion supporting the valve element, and an expanding-contracting portion extending between the locking portion and the valve support portion to expand and contract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: NITTO KOHKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuki Imoto
  • Patent number: 10648358
    Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting a turbomachine may include a trip throttle valve having a throttle valve assembly and a trip valve assembly. The trip valve assembly may include a plurality of trip valves fluidly coupled to a hydraulic cylinder of the throttle valve assembly via a first flow path and a second flow path in parallel with one another. The trip valve assembly may also include a plurality of isolation valves fluidly coupled to the hydraulic cylinder via the first flow path and the second flow path. The plurality of isolation valves may be configured to selectively prevent fluid communication between the plurality of trip valves and the hydraulic cylinder to allow testing of one or more of the plurality of trip valves during operation of the turbomachine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignees: DRESSER-RAND COMPANY, REXA, INC.
    Inventors: Shannon Nimchan, John Limmer, Pedro Lopez, Ken Enos
  • Patent number: 10018278
    Abstract: An automatic water-saving device has a housing, a lower holder, an upper holder, an actuation rod, a blocker, a first resilient member, and multiple positioning balls. The actuation rod, the blocker, the first resilient member, and the positioning balls are disposed between the lower and the upper holders. The lower and upper holders are disposed in the housing. Each of the lower and the upper holders has multiple holes for water flowing. The upper holder further has multiple mouths for water flowing. The automatic water-saving device has the advantage of automatically recovering the water discharge capacity back to small volume after manually adjusting the water discharge capacity to large volume. Hence, the water-saving function of the automatic water-saving device is enhanced and ensured, and the automatic water-saving device is convenient in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: APLUS HARDWARE CORP.
    Inventor: Yung-Huang Chuang
  • Patent number: 9726406
    Abstract: There is provided an expansion valve which, by moving the sub-valve in a valve housing, controls the flow rate of a refrigerant in a first flow direction and releases the refrigerant to flow in a second flow direction, wherein the sub-valve is reduced in weight and a valve port is provided with high accuracy. The sub-valve includes a guide member formed by press work and a valve seat member formed by cutting. The sub-valve is seated on a sub-valve seat of a valve seat ring when the pressure in a main valve chamber is high, and is moved away from the sub-valve seat when the pressure in the main valve chamber is low. The sub-valve is reduced in weight by forming the guide member by press work, and the valve port is formed with improved accuracy by forming the valve seat member by cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA SAGINOMIYA SEISAKUSHO
    Inventor: Hideki Sekiguchi
  • Patent number: 9435157
    Abstract: A bi-stable valve includes a first chamber having a first aperture and a second aperture, and a second chamber having a first aperture and a second aperture. The bi-stable valve also includes a shaft having a first valve member adjacent a first end of the shaft and a second valve member adjacent an opposite second end of the shaft. The shaft is movable between a first position, in which the first valve member closes off the second aperture of the first chamber and the second valve member closes off the second aperture of the second chamber to prevent fluid from passing through the second apertures of the first and second chambers, and a second position, in which the first valve member and the second valve member allow fluid to pass through the second aperture of the first chamber and the second aperture of the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Oleg Polyntsev
  • Patent number: 9157374
    Abstract: A valve skirt is connected to a shaft. The shaft extends in a rearward direction away from the skirt and has rack teeth at a location spaced away from the skirt. A tab is positioned between the skirt and the rack teeth, and has at least one flat surface. A rack support supports the rack for axial movement, and the rack support has a support ear that has a flat surface engaging the flat surface on the rack to prevent relative rotation of the rack when driven by a pinion gear. An air starter valve, a gas turbine engine and a method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Todd D. Cortelli, Matthew R. Greco, Paul D. Boyce
  • Patent number: 9115812
    Abstract: In a plug valve with a plug supported around its axis of rotation in a flow passageway of the valve housing, the plug is supported in a floating manner against a spring force pressing the plug against an annular sealing element. The spring force is provided by a spring element bearing against the valve housing and engaging with a trunnion of the plug. The sealing element is supported in a fixed position against a flow passage opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Electric S.A.
    Inventors: Majid Bakhshi, Joerg Gassmann, Wolfram Schwarze
  • Publication number: 20140261817
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing having a first chamber, a second chamber, a valve seat disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber, a valve head disposed in the housing and moveable relative to the housing, a valve stem operatively coupled to the valve head for moving the valve head between the open and closed positions, and a pressure relief mechanism including a plug coupled to the valve stem and extending along a plug axis in the bore of the valve head moveable relative to the valve head from a sealed position preventing fluid communication through the bore to an unsealed position allowing fluid communication through the bore for relieving pressure differences between the first chamber and the second chamber when the valve head is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Marshall Excelsior Co.
    Inventors: Frederick W. Blanchard, Alex L. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8671988
    Abstract: Fluid flow control members for use with valves are described. An example poppet apparatus for use with an internal valve includes first and second opposing seating surfaces to control fluid flow through the internal valve. Additionally, the example poppet apparatus includes an aperture to receive a stem of the internal valve. Further, the example poppet apparatus includes a flow diverter to divert fluid flow through the poppet apparatus to substantially prevent the fluid flow from compressing a spring to be at least partially positioned in the poppet apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chun Lin, Eric Alan Miller, Roy Ronald Pelfrey
  • Patent number: 8622088
    Abstract: A solenoid valve has a valve housing, first and second valve members, first and second biasing members, a pressing rod and an electromagnetic driving member. The valve housing defines a fluid pathway for flowing fluid therein. The first and the second valve members are configured to open and close the fluid pathway, respectively. The first biasing member biases the first valve member in a direction for closing the fluid pathway. The second biasing member biases the second valve member in a direction for closing the fluid pathway. The electromagnetic driving member sequentially presses the pressing rod against the first valve member and the second valve member in order to open the fluid pathway in stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Sugiura, Takashi Nagai
  • Patent number: 8506692
    Abstract: A valve includes a valve housing defining therein a fluid passage composed of a first passage and a second passage, a first valve member configured to open and close the fluid passage, a first biasing member pressing the first valve member in a first valve-closing direction along a flow direction from the first passage to the second passage, a second valve member configured to open and close the fluid passage, a second biasing member pressing the second valve member in a second valve-closing direction along the flow direction from the first passage to the second passage, an electromagnetic driving member having an pressing member opening the first valve member and the second valve member in stages, a third valve member configured to open and close the fluid passage, and a third biasing member pressing the third valve member in a third valve-closing direction along a flow direction from the second passage to the first passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Asian Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiro Sugiura
  • Patent number: 8353310
    Abstract: Internal valve apparatus are described. An example internal valve includes a body having a valve seat disposed between an inlet and an outlet. A flow control member operatively coupled to the body moves between a first position in which the flow control member engages the valve seat to restrict the flow of fluid through the valve and a second position in which the flow control member is spaced from the valve seat to allow the flow of fluid through the valve. The example internal valve further includes a removable actuation member disposed within the body and responsive to a fluid pressure to cause the flow control member to move between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Chun Lin, Tung Kim Nguyen, Roy Ronald Pelfrey
  • Patent number: 8342206
    Abstract: A valve for a plenum or pipe is disclosed. The valve includes a large butterfly valve element pivotally supported in the plenum by at least one rod. The large butterfly valve element includes an opening for accommodating a small butterfly valve element. The small butterfly valve element is coupled to the rod by a shaft. The shaft includes a recess that accommodates the small butterfly valve element but which includes a clearance between the small butterfly valve element and the shaft to permit limited rotation of the shaft before the small butterfly valve element engages at least one wall of the recess of the shaft. Thus, the combination of the shaft and the small butterfly valve element provide limited flow through the plenum. Further rotation of the shaft, however, results in rotation of the large butterfly valve element to provide greater flow through the plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Gierszewski
  • Patent number: 8312896
    Abstract: A compressed gas-aided coating dispensing device includes a valve controlling the flow of compressed gas through the device. The device includes a port for coupling to a source of compressed gas and a port through which the compressed gas flows downstream from the valve. The valve includes a first valve member and a first seat cooperating to control flow through the device, and an operating member for controlling the relative positions of the first valve member and first seat. The valve further includes a second valve member and a second seat. The operating member also controls the relative positions of the second valve member and the second seat. The operating member controls the relative positions of the first valve member and first seat and the second valve member and second seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: James P. Baltz
  • Patent number: 8272532
    Abstract: A beverage container lid for a container base having a reservoir, the lid comprising a shell removably mountable on the base comprising a first drink passage that extends through the shell and communicates with ambient and a cartridge removably engageable to the shell. A second drink passage is in communication with the first drink passage and is formed between an outer surface of the cartridge and inner surface of the shell. The cartridge comprises a valve that is moveable between an open condition and closed condition to control communication between the reservoir and second drink passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Helen of Troy Limited
    Inventors: Peter Michaelian, Eric Freitag, Erica Eden, Dean DiPietro
  • Patent number: 8256462
    Abstract: Fluid flow control members for use with valves are described herein. An example fluid flow control member for use with a valve includes a body having a first seating surface to control a flow of fluid through the valve. The body defines a second seating surface opposite the first seating surface to control a flow of fluid through the valve. Additionally, the body defines an aperture to receive a stem of the valve, and a bore surrounded by the first seating surface to receive at least one of a seal or a sliding member each of which have a first surface to be engaged by a second surface of a spring seat coupled to the stem to control a fluid flow through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Chun Lin, Eric Alan Miller, Roy Ronald Pelfrey, Yan Tao Sun, Fan Jian Jun
  • Patent number: 8245730
    Abstract: Electric power is supplied to a coil (17) to drive a valve (16) for displacement by a magnetic action, thereby adjusting the opening of a valve path (43). The electric power for thus driving the valve (16) is supplied to the coil (17) through an electric conductor wire (18). The electric conductor wire (18) extends from a portion of a housing (15) that is exposed from a tank (11) to a portion of the housing (15) that accommodates the coil (17) therein. Thus, the housing (15) holds the electric conductor wire (18) as extending inside the housing (15). Since the electric conductor wire (18) is thus held as extending inside the housing (15), the electric conductor wire (18) is protected against vibration and impact given thereto from the outside. Thus, the electric conductor wire (18) has enhanced reliability in terms of resistance to vibration and impact. With the electric conductor wire (18) thus positioned within the housing (15), the housing (15) can house the electric conductor wire (18) neatly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kaoru Nomichi, Seiji Ishii, Makoto Ninomiya
  • Patent number: 8113240
    Abstract: A fluid transfer system includes a transfer device coupled to a dry break coupler. The transfer device includes a valve assembly moveable between an open and a closed position. The valve assembly includes a main valve and a pilot valve. An actuator controls both the main valve and the pilot valve. A cam plate interconnects the actuator and the valve assembly. The cam plate provides a quick acting shutoff to quickly move the valve assembly to the closed position. A pivotal and rotatable connector couples the transfer device to the dry break coupler. A lock is integrated with the actuator to lock the valve assembly in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Marshall Excelsior Company
    Inventors: Frederick W. Blanchard, Alex L. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8104507
    Abstract: A gas switch capable of adjusting fire intensity finely includes a gas switch capable of adjusting fire intensity finely, comprising a switch body inside which a guide is installed, a valve set that revolves inside the switch body and includes a hollow valve and a pilot valve moving elastically through the valve, a drive component installed inside the switch body, which contains a rotating rod that can move along and rotate round the same shaft of the valve set, a guide rod placed on the rotating rod and leaning on the guide, a regulating block installed movably at one end of the rotating rod and leaning against the pilot valve, and a connecting component for linking the drive component with the valve set flexibly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Seven Universe Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pao-Chi Chang, Sen-Yu Wu, Shu-Mei Liu
  • Patent number: 8020383
    Abstract: A steam valve 1 includes: a valve seat 9 being accommodated in a steam flow path of a casing 2 provided with a steam inlet pipe 14 and a steam outlet pipe 15; and a valve body 22, 27 capable of contacting the valve seat 9, the valve body 22, 27 being accommodated in the steam flow path of the casing 2. An expansion part 10 that smoothly projects toward an inside of the steam outlet pipe 15 is disposed at a downstream side on a contact surface of the valve seat 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tsutomu Ooishi, Tomoo Oofuji, Hideo Hosaka, Yasunori Iwai, Hiroshi Saeki
  • Patent number: 7967063
    Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus has a cool-side door device and a heating-side door device between an evaporator and a heater core. The cool-side door device is configured to open and close a cool air passage through which a cool air generated by the evaporator flows. The heating-side door device is configured to open and close a heating air passage through which the cool air flows to be heated by the heater core. At least one of the cool-side door device and the heating-side door device is constructed of a plurality of doors. The plurality of doors is configured to begin to open successively when being opened from a fully closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Sato, Toshihiko Muraki
  • Patent number: 7770598
    Abstract: A valve includes a housing having an inlet (3), an outlet (1) and a movable sealing member (2) which allows the inlet (3) and the outlet (1) to be connected in fluid communication with each other, the sealing member (2) having associated therewith effective areas (4b) to which pressure can be applied, and sealing areas (4), and the sealing member (2) further having associated therewith a sealing seat (4a) for sealing the inlet (3) from the outlet (1). In order to provide a valve by which pressure can be relieved in a very short time, the sealing member (2) has associated therewith a conduit (2a) by which the inlet (3) and the outlet (1) can be connected in fluid communication with each other when the sealing member (2) rests on the sealing seat (4a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Joerg Bittner, Torsten Gerlich, Volker Daume, Stefan Hettinger, Klaus Bickel
  • Patent number: 7240694
    Abstract: A flow control valve includes a valve body defining fluid inlet and outlet sections interconnected by a connecting port. A valve unit is disposed in the valve body and is operably connected to an actuator to be moved thereby for opening and closing the connecting port. The valve unit includes a valve element which has a bleed passage extending therethrough for communicating the fluid inlet and outlet sections with one another. A bleed piston is operably connected to the actuator and is movable thereby relative to the valve element for opening the bleed passage when the valve unit is in a port-closing position. The valve unit also includes a pressure balancing passage which communicates front and rear ends of the valve element with one another and tending to aid in statically and dynamically balancing the fluid pressures acting on the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Hans Christian Johnsen, Joergen Holst, Mikkel Kloppenborg-Skrumsager
  • Patent number: 6957661
    Abstract: A valve includes a housing assembly, a stem assembly and a surge suppression device. The surge suppression device includes an initial flowpath between the valve inlet and the outlet, a primary flowpath between the inlet and the outlet, a first valve assembly and a second valve assembly. The first valve assembly is coupled to the stem assembly and threadably engages the housing assembly and structured to move between a first, closed position wherein the primary flowpath is blocked and a second, open position wherein the primary flowpath is not blocked. The second valve assembly is threadably coupled to the housing assembly and structured to move between a first, closed position wherein the initial flowpath is blocked and a second, open position wherein the initial flowpath is not blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Harsco Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffre Allen Borton, David Michael Lechner, Dennis Herman Sattelberg
  • Publication number: 20040261866
    Abstract: A high pressure valve for hydrogen gas includes a valve seat and a valve member, which is movable to selectively open and close the valve seat. One of the valve member and the valve seat is formed of austenitic stainless steel, and the other one of the valve member and the valve seat is formed of flexible synthetic resin or soft metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicants: TOYODA KOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOOKI KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Suzuki, Yoshiyuki Takeuchi, Toshihiko Shima, Soichi Shirai
  • Patent number: 6745794
    Abstract: A valve assembly in which a primary valve is provided within a primary passageway of a valve housing to control flow rates of a fluid flow within the primary passageway. The primary valve is moved between open and closed positions relative to a valve seat defined in the primary passageway to produce higher flow rates as the primary valve is moved towards the open position and lower flow rates as the primary valve is moved towards the closed position. As the primary valve is moved towards the closed position an ever increasing flow rate occurs within a secondary passageway formed in the primary valve by at least an orifice. A secondary needle valve, projecting into the orifice, meters such ever increasing flow rate and thereby the lower flow rates of the fluid flow. The secondary needle valve can be attached to the valve housing and thus, be fixed in position or can be attached to a valve steam to control the degree to which the secondary needle valve projects into the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Edward Gajewski
  • Patent number: 6729351
    Abstract: An expanded-range pintle valve comprising a plurality of stages. Each stage comprises a valve seat and head capable of regulating flow through the valve over its own dynamic range. The valve head of a higher-flow stage includes the valve seat for the next-lower flow stage. The heads and seats for the multiple stages are nested concentrically, the progressively lower-flow stages having progressively smaller diameters. All valve heads except the lowest-flow head have axial and radial bores permitting flow therethrough so that flow may be regulated first by actuating the lowest-flow stage, then by actuating successively higher flow stages. A single pintle shaft connected to a solenoid actuator is adapted to engage each of the valve heads sequentially as the actuator progresses, beginning with the lowest-flow head, thereby extending incrementally the dynamic range of the valve as each stage is successively engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Raul A. Bircann, Dwight O. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6655409
    Abstract: The steam valve includes a fast-acting control valve and stop valve acting against a valve seat in a steam flow passage in a closed position. An outlet passage below the valve seat has transition walls therebetween, affording a smooth, continuous flow past the seat into an outlet whereby head losses are reduced. An annular screen about the valve has support structure recessed in the walls of the inlet to reduce flow blockage and vortex formation. A balance chamber disposed above the control valve has a bleed hole for equalizing steam pressure in the balance chamber and steam valve which inhibits depressurization of the balance chamber and facilitates fast closing of the control valve. Buttress threads interconnect the control valve stem and the control valve head to preclude binding of those parts due to oxide buildup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Howard Steenburgh, Roger Bennett Clark, Nicholas Dundas Porteous
  • Patent number: 6598623
    Abstract: A valve structure that includes a housing, a valve, a first resilient element, and a second resilient element. The housing includes a first fluid communication path between a first port and a second port. The valve is movable with respect to the housing, and includes a first valve element and a second valve element. The first valve element includes a second fluid communication path, a first seal, and a second seal. The second fluid communication path provides restricted fluid flow between the first and second ports. The first seal engages the housing. The second valve element is positionable between first and second arrangements with respect to the first valve element. The first arrangement of the second valve is spaced from the second seal, and the second arrangement of the second valve engages the second seal. The first resilient element extends between the housing and the first valve element, and the second resilient element extends between the first and second valve elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Craig W. Weldon
  • Patent number: 6481452
    Abstract: The invention is a two-stage, two-poppet prime valve assembly for use in high pressure applications such as vehicle braking systems. The valve assembly has two valve seats and two plungers for allowing the valve assembly to open under high pressure while providing minimal internal flow restrictions to enhance cold temperature and low pressure operation. The two-stage, two poppet valve assembly contains two separate flow paths, one being high pressure, relatively low flow called a stage one, and the other being relatively low pressure, high flow called a stage two. In addition, the valve incorporates a reverse flow bypass feature that is capable of controlling flow at very high pressure and allowing reverse flow with a very low pressure drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Fredrick Reuter, E. Wayne Lloyd, Alejandro Moreno
  • Patent number: 6382585
    Abstract: A fluid control valve has a valve member which, on closing creates a stagnation zone between the valve member and a surface within the valve. In the stagnation zone fluid pressure is greater than it is in an adjacent constriction zone. This causes the valve to close slowly, thereby reducing the likelihood that water hammer will occur on closure of the valve. The design of the valve member also reduces resonances which can cause annoying noises and premature wear. A flow restriction chamber further slows closure of the valve. The fluid control valve may be controlled by a conventional 3-way pilot valve. Preferably the fluid control valve is used with a pilot valve according to the invention having a rocker member which, on actuation, first closes an inlet valve member and then opens an outlet valve member. The pilot valve may be used in other situations where a 3-way valve is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Integra Dynamics Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Pubben, Scott Phillips, Sandeep Munshi
  • Patent number: 6309033
    Abstract: A switchable solenoid valve is disposed between the master cylinder port and the wheel caliper port for an anti-lock brake system. The switchable solenoid valve includes a valve housing, a valve seat that includes a center orifice and a plurality of perimeter bores, and an axially moveable valve plate and tappet for sealing against the valve seat. The switchable solenoid valve is movable between a normally open position, a closed position and an intermediate position that occurs when the brake system is in anti-lock mode. In the open position, both the valve plate and tappet are spaced away from the valve seat to allow unrestricted pressure fluid flow between the master cylinder and the wheel caliper. When the solenoid valve is moved in to the closed position, the valve plate is in face-to-face engagement with the valve seat to seal the perimeter bores while the tappet is simultaneously sealingly engaged with the center orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Continental Teves, Inc.
    Inventor: Dalibor Zaviska
  • Publication number: 20010032678
    Abstract: An expanded-range pintle valve comprising a plurality of stages. Each stage comprises a valve seat and head capable of regulating flow through the valve over its own dynamic range. The valve head of a higher-flow stage includes the valve seat for the next-lower flow stage. The heads and seats for the multiple stages are nested concentrically, the progressively lower-flow stages having progressively smaller diameters. All valve heads except the lowest-flow head have axial and radial bores permitting flow therethrough so that flow may be regulated first by actuating the lowest-flow stage, then by actuating successively higher flow stages. A single pintle shaft connected to a solenoid actuator is adapted to engage each of the valve heads sequentially as the actuator progresses, beginning with the lowest-flow head, thereby extending incrementally the dynamic range of the valve as each stage is successively engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Raul A. Bircann, Dwight O. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6289932
    Abstract: A valve 10 is provided which has two pathways which each extend between an inlet bore 4 and an outlet bore 6 of the valve 10. A soft start passage 55 initially opens to equalize pressure between the inlet bore 4 and the outlet bore 6. A main poppet or other barrier 50 then opens to provide direct communication of large volumes of gas between the inlet bore 4 and the outlet bore 6. A pneumatic cylinder 20 has a single piston 30 therein which is moved downward to actuate a soft start shaft 40 and associated soft start poppet 45 to open the soft start passage 55. When air is directed into a lower air chamber 28 below the piston 30, the piston 30 is caused to be elevated within the pneumatic cylinder 20 and the entire soft start shaft 40 and main poppet 50 assembly moves up to provide direct access of larger volumes of gas between the inlet bore 4 and the outlet bore 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Nor-Cal Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher G. Thackeray, Preston C. Rosenbaum, Jr., Tim E. Nilsson