Peripherally Secured Diaphragm Patents (Class 137/859)
  • Patent number: 7284572
    Abstract: A plate valve, especially for diaphragm pumps, having a valve plate (8), a valve seat (15), and a valve chamber bounded by a valve housing is provided, with the valve plate being held at the edges thereof. The valve plate (8) is preset under tension elastically in the installation position between outer edge holding devices, with the elastic pretensioning being at least large enough that deformations due to edge clamping can be compensated. Preferably, the valve plate (8) is held at the edge in a positive fit and is preset under tension elastically between its outer edge holding devices in the installation position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: KNF Flodos AG
    Inventors: Robert Käch, Christian Kissling
  • Patent number: 7243683
    Abstract: An overpressure valve for a packaging container is disposed on the inside of the packaging material comprising the packaging container. The overpressure valve comprises a base plate, a diaphragm, and a connecting element. The overpressure valve is relatively simple in construction and can be produced economically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Stotkiewitz, Thomas Fischer
  • Patent number: 7237619
    Abstract: An automatic fire sprinkler having a variable orifice, the sprinkler having a variable orifice associated with the automatic fire sprinkler, and wherein the orifice is responsive to the water inlet pressure of the sprinkler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Ralph R. Mehr
  • Patent number: 7178550
    Abstract: A pressure control valve for a packaging container includes a supporting body having a recess a is disposed in an axially captive fashion either by means of gluing or by means of securing projections A device for attaching the pressure control valve to a material web has a stroke die and a sealing die that cooperates with the stroke die and contains a needle holder for producing holes in the material web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Stotkiewitz, Juergen Haak, Thomas Fischer
  • Patent number: 7174739
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved drain valve for dew condensation in an air chiller unit mounted on an aircraft. The drain valve 160 attached to a drain of a drain pan in an air chiller unit is equipped with a valve seat member 162 having an opening 162a at the center and a valve member 164 disposed to contact the lower surface of the valve seat member 162. The valve member 164 is made of thin silicon rubber, and arms 164b created by slits formed thereto support a valve means 164e with extremely small spring constant. While the air chiller unit is operating, the valve means 164e is air tightly attached to the opening 162a of the valve seat by negative pressure, closing the drain valve. When the operation stops and dew drops gather on the valve means 164e, the valve means 164e is displaced by the weight and the valve is opened. When there are no dew drops, the valve is closed to prevent moisture from entering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Jamco Corporation
    Inventor: Masaji Ozaki
  • Patent number: 7137405
    Abstract: A check valve for preventing backflow of media including a valve movably coupled to a carrier body, the valve including a flexible membrane disposed therein such that the flexible membrane flexibly engages an aperture in the carrier body to prevent backflow of media through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: SEH America, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard F. Barrows, Mike Hamilton
  • Patent number: 7108361
    Abstract: An ink tank capable of a stable ink supply to a print head uses a simple valve construction. In one preferred example, an ink path is closed by a lip portion of a valve rubber engaging a flange, and an angle formed by an inner surface of an opening in the lip portion and an engagement surface of the flange is an acute angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenji Kitabatake, Yasuo Kotaki, Keisuke Matsuo, Toshihiko Ujita, Hiromasa Amma
  • Patent number: 7011077
    Abstract: A fuel system and a method of method of managing fuel vapor pressure in the fuel system. The fuel system a fuel tank having a headspace, a fuel vapor collection canister in fluid communication with the headspace, a purge valve, and a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus. The method includes performing leak detection on the headspace, and preventing a flow of fluid through an elastic diaphragm during leak detection. The elastic diaphragm includes at least one opening through which passes the flow of fluid. And the preventing the flow of fluid includes a first portion of the elastic diaphragm sealingly engaging a second portion of the elastic diaphragm. The method further includes relieving excess negative pressure in the headspace and relieving excess positive pressure in the headspace by fluid flow in different directions along the same flow path that includes the opening in the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Andre Veinotte
  • Patent number: 6986568
    Abstract: A valve unit in an ink supply channel of an ink-jet recording apparatus, the ink supply channel having an upstream side and a downstream side, the valve unit comprising a diaphragm valve having a thin elastic diaphragm operating in response to pressure difference between an upstream side and a downstream side of the diaphragm, a valve body formed on the surface of the thin elastic diaphragm and having an opening therein, and an elastic support portion integrally formed with the valve body for urging the valve body toward the upstream direction, a valve seat disposed in the ink supply channel upstream of the diaphragm and kept in elastic contact with the opening, and a flow-channel forming plate for forming a flow channel disposed on the downstream side of the valve seat, the flow channel, extending in a longitudinal direction of the elastic portion and the flow channel forming plate having an end portion side extending in an upstream direction to form a flow channel whose sectional area decreases in the longi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Usui, Takao Kobayashi, Satoshi Shinada, Hisashi Miyazawa, Takahiro Naka
  • Patent number: 6953027
    Abstract: A fuel vapor pressure management apparatus for a fuel system performs leak detection on a headspace of the fuel system, performs excess negative pressure relief of the headspace, and performs excess positive pressure relief of the headspace. The fuel vapor pressure management apparatus includes a diaphragm that is deformable between a nearly undeformed configuration that is associated with performing leak detection, a first deformed configuration that is associated with performing excess negative pressure relief, and a second deformed configuration that is associated with performing excess positive pressure relief. A first fluid flow through the diaphragm occurs when the diaphragm is in the first deformed configuration. A second fluid flow through the diaphragm occurs when the diaphragm is in the second deformed configuration, and the second fluid flow is opposite to the first fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Andre Veinotte
  • Patent number: 6945277
    Abstract: The invention concerns an underpressure valve with a multi-part housing and a disc-like closing body which has at least one opening, and with an opening-free section disposed in alignment with the flow channel of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: J. Schmalz GmbH
    Inventors: Kurt Schmalz, Gernot Schmierer, Thomas Eisele, Daniel Heine, Dieter Geissler, Leonhard Harter, Daniel Grözinger
  • Patent number: 6916089
    Abstract: An ink cartridge for an ink jet printer is provided with a container having at least a first wall. An ink supply port is formed through the first wall for supplying ink to the exterior of the container. An ink chamber and an ink supply chamber are formed by a membrane valve seat made of an elastic thin membrane and formed with a through hole therethrough. A valve body is positioned opposing the through hole formed in the membrane valve seat, the valve body and membrane valve seat adjacent said through hole formed therein being maintained selectively in contact by a pressure difference between said ink chamber and said ink supply chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yuji Iida
  • Patent number: 6848471
    Abstract: A check valve is placed in a conduit for pressurized fluids, and comprises a cylindrical external housing having inlet and outlet ends, a cylindrical internal spigot, and an elastomeric sleeve fitted over the spigot. It is sealed at the second end, and has a plurality of radially directed vent apertures along its length. The elastomeric sleeve is securely fitted to the internal spigot, in the region of the first, inlet end. The elastomeric sleeve has an internal diameter and an elastic memory such that it fits and adheres snugly to the outer periphery of the spigot, and its elasticity is overcome at a positive gauge pressure of between 5 and 20 psi so that pressurized fluid will flow from the vent apertures. Backflow of fluid at substantially zero or negative gauge pressure is precluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Hercules Valve Inc.
    Inventors: Roberto Floh, Richard Spindler
  • Publication number: 20040250864
    Abstract: A check valve adapted for mounting between any flanges and specifically between sanitary flanges in a piping system, the check valve comprising a stationary portion and a flexible portion; the single-piece rigid stationary portion including and supporting a valve seat; the single-piece molded elastomeric flexible portion including a flange gasket, a valve plug, flexible retaining arms for guiding and securing the valve plug movement with respect to the valve seat, and a visual means to indicate that the check valve is installed, permits flow in the desired direction, and is drainable; the check valve being fully cleanable and sterilizable in situ by flow-through methods and having at least one embodiment that is fully drainable when mounted in any orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Larry Saul Zelson
  • Patent number: 6764286
    Abstract: A piston pump comprises cylinder attached within a cavity of a pump housing. An outlet check valve seat is defined about an outlet of the cylinder. A piston is slidably received in a bore of the cylinder and has a first passageway formed therein. A cylinder head encloses the outlet of the cylinder and defines a second passageway therein. The first passageway has an inlet in fluid communication with the cavity of the pump housing, and an outlet in fluid communication with a pumping chamber defined in the pump housing. A first spring retains the piston to the cylinder. A first check valve member is a ball retained near a valve seat formed in the first passageway of the piston by a disk spring, and allows fluid to flow only from the inlet to the outlet of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Harry A. Hunnicutt, Richard J. Barron, Peter Every
  • Patent number: 6758236
    Abstract: The present invention is a self-acting valve, and it may specifically be used for air mattresses. This self-acting valve consists of a housing, a membrane and a base. After a quick inflation, the elastic airtight membrane positioned within the housing reverts to its original shape and instantly shuts off the outlets, which prevents air from leaking out. This valve is able to operate automatically to form a perfect airtight seal. The structure of this valve is simple, reliable, and practical, which makes it a new type of self-acting valve for an air mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Senyuan Xie
  • Patent number: 6748979
    Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid supply valve comprising a disc-shaped valve body which is equipped with a fluid supply port in the central portion thereof and composed of an elastic material whose peripheral portion is reinforced and fixed with a rigid material, the fluid supply port being closed when the valve body abuts against a fixed valve seat placed so as to be opposite to the fluid supply port, and being opened when the valve body is separated from the fixed valve seat, wherein the disc shaped valve body is equipped further with a thin walled portion in the intermediate annular portion between the fluid supply port and the peripheral portion in the radial direction, and/or with an inflectional portion in the radial direction between the fluid supply port and the peripheral portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Miyazawa, Hirofumi Kikuchi, Youichi Nishimuro, Kunio Machida
  • Patent number: 6745763
    Abstract: In existing vaporizers the medication passes through unsterilized passages which preclude heir use to administer sterile medications. The present invention therefore provides a device for dispensing a vaporized spray of sterile medicated liquid. It uses a combination atomizing and pressure release valve in which there is a flexible membrane with an aperture, and a plug extending upwardly through the aperture and having a surface against which the membrane is biassed in the closed position, the membrane lifting off the surface of the plug in the open position to thereby open the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Garth T. Webb
  • Patent number: 6715733
    Abstract: Micro-valves that include a diaphragm capable of being positioned on a valve seat or removed from the valve seat. The micro-valves also include supports and a cover that restrict the motion of the diaphragm, thereby reducing the possibility of cracking. Micro-valves made by anodically bonding the diaphragm to a seat substrate and anodically bonding the cover to the diaphragm. Micro-injectors that include micro-valves. Also, methods of making the micro-valves and micro-injectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tak Kui Wang, Peisheng Sheng, Richard P. White
  • Patent number: 6702136
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved reservoir cap for a braking fluid reservoir including a cylindrical skirt for surrounding an opening of the reservoir body, a disc portion having a hard stop formed unitarily with the cylindrical skirt for closing the reservoir fill opening, and a plurality of teeth formed unitarily about the hard stop for securing an elastic member. The elastic member is disposed about the teeth of the reservoir cap and secured thereto. The elastic member defines ridges disposed circumferentially about its center. Between the ridges and the center of the elastic member is a channel, which in turn defines a pair of openings which permit the flow of excess fluid through the elastic member, thereby reducing the possibility of fluid overflow, and thus preventing excess brake fluid from permeating the reservoir cap and leaking into the engine compartment of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Continental Teves, Inc.
    Inventors: Miguel Saygan, Jim Tottingham, Dennis Downen, Dale May
  • Patent number: 6662827
    Abstract: A membrane type pressure relief valve for packaging containers. The valve comprises a plastic overlay that is formed in a way that causes the center portion of the valve to be pre-stressed when applied to a base sheet or a package wall. The forming of the overlay and its subsequent deformation after application to the base sheet or package wall causes the overlay to act as a mechanical assist to close the valve when the valve oil does not fully force the valve closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenan J. Clougherty, Teddy M. Westphal
  • Patent number: 6663821
    Abstract: A bistable microvalve of shape memory material is operatively connected to a microcatheter. The bistable microvalve includes a tip that can be closed off until it is in the desired position. Once it is in position it can be opened and closed. The system uses heat and pressure to open and close the microvalve. The shape memory material will change stiffness and shape when heated above a transition temperature. The shape memory material is adapted to move from a first shape to a second shape, either open or closed, where it can perform a desired function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Kirk Patrick Seward
  • Patent number: 6644944
    Abstract: Microfluidic fluid control devices are provided. One microfluidic fluid control device can be used as a uni-directional valve within a microfluidic system. The invention also provides a microfluidic pump mechanism having two unidirectional valves separated by an expandable reservoir. Such devices may be formed in multiple layers and utilize flexible membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.
    Inventor: Christoph D. Karp
  • Publication number: 20030188790
    Abstract: The invention concerns an underpressure valve with a multi-part housing and a disc-like closing body which has at least one opening, and with an opening-free section disposed in alignment with the flow channel of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: J. Schmalz GmbH
    Inventors: Kurt Schmalz, Gernot Schmierer, Thomas Eisele, Daniel Heine, Dieter Geissler, Leonhard Harter, Daniel Grozinger
  • Publication number: 20030181853
    Abstract: A bistable microvalve of shape memory material is operatively connected to a microcatheter. The bistable microvalve includes a tip that can be closed off until it is in the desired position. Once it is in position it can be opened and closed. The system uses heat and pressure to open and close the microvalve. The shape memory material will change stiffness and shape when heated above a transition temperature. The shape memory material is adapted to move from a first shape to a second shape, either open or closed, where it can perform a desired function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Kirk Patrick Seward
  • Publication number: 20030155023
    Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid supply valve comprising a disc-shaped valve body which is equipped with a fluid supply port in the central portion thereof and composed of an elastic material whose peripheral portion is reinforced and fixed with a rigid material, the fluid supply port being closed when the valve body abuts against a fixed valve seat placed so as to be opposite to the fluid supply port, and being opened when the valve body is separated from the fixed valve seat, wherein the disc shaped valve body is equipped further with a thin walled portion in the intermediate annular portion between the fluid supply port and the peripheral portion in the radial direction, and/or with an inflectional portion in the radial direction between the fluid supply port and the peripheral portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Miyazawa, Hirofumi Kikuchi, Youichi Nishimuro, Kunio Machida
  • Patent number: 6565526
    Abstract: A bistable microvalve of shape memory material is operatively connected to a microcatheter. The bistable microvalve includes a tip that can be closed off until it is in the desired position. Once it is in position it can opened and closed. The system uses heat and pressure to open and close the microvalve. The shape memory material will change stiffness and shape when heated above a transition temperature. The shape memory material is adapted to move from a first shape to a second shape, either open or closed, where it can perform a desired function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Kirk Patrick Seward
  • Publication number: 20030089409
    Abstract: A valve device with a check valve can be used for a washer nozzle and a hose joint. In the valve device, first and second body portions are detachably attached to each other by an attachment of a joint portion to a joint hole and by an engagement of engagement protrusions with engagement holes. A circular fixing portion of the check valve is clamped between the first and second body portions, thereby sealing an attachment portion between the first and second body portions. Further, the check valve includes plural connection portions connected to the fixing portion at a radial inside to be elastically deformed, and a valve body connected to the connection portions to open and close a supply port of the first body portion. Accordingly, the valve device has a simple structure, and it is possible to perform a maintenance in the valve device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Hirotaka Morimoto
  • Patent number: 6550498
    Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid supply valve comprising a disc-shaped valve body which is equipped with a fluid supply port in the central portion thereof and composed of an elastic material whose peripheral portion is reinforced and fixed with a rigid material, the fluid supply port being closed when the valve body abuts against a fixed valve seat placed so as to be opposite to the fluid supply port, and being opened when the valve body is separated from the fixed valve seat, wherein the disc shaped valve body is equipped further with a thin walled portion in the intermediate annular portion between the fluid supply port and the peripheral portion in the radial direction, and/or with an inflectional portion in the radial direction between the fluid supply port and the peripheral portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Miyazawa, Hirofumi Kikuchi, Youichi Nishimuro, Kunio Machida
  • Patent number: 6539987
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of pressurizing enclosures having bi-stable valves. The valve has an invertible element having a port therethrough, and is converted from an open mode into a closed mode by a sudden change of pressure across the valve. The method is particularly suited for pressurization of enclosures en masse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Louis Dischler
  • Patent number: 6394137
    Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid supply value comprising a disc-shaped valve body which is equipped with a fluid supply port in the central portion thereof and composed of an elastic material whose peripheral portion is reinforced and fixed with a rigid material, the fluid supply port being closed when the valve body abuts against a fixed valve seat placed so as to be opposite to the fluid supply port, and being opened when the valve body is separated from the fixed valve seat, wherein the disc-shaped valve body is equipped further with a thin-walled portion in the intermediate annular portion between the fluid supply port and the peripheral portion in the radial direction, and/or with an inflectional portion in the radial direction between the fluid supply port and the peripheral portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Hirofumi Kikuchi, Youichi Nishimuro, Kunio Machida
  • Patent number: 6394128
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve is disclosed for use in air intake tracts of I.C. engine installations. The air valve includes a tubular member having apertures therein covered over by resilient diaphragm elements that, when a negative pressure (vacuum) within the system exceeds a pre-determined level, deflect and enable relief of the negative pressure within the air intake. When the negative pressure returns to normal operating levels, the diaphragm returns to position. The negative pressure within the intake tract can be raised, for example, by an obstruction at the air inlet of the tract.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Engine Management, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Concialdi
  • Patent number: 6390130
    Abstract: A check valve for medical infusion lines and the like, including a diaphragm made of elastic material inserted between a first and a second tubular connector and acting on an annular valve seat to keep the check valve normally closed. The diaphragm includes an annular peripheral section and a central disc, connected to the peripheral section via a crown of spaced-out arms. The disc is moulded with a thin, axially projecting, circumferential sealing lip on one face or, more conveniently, on both faces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Industrie Borla SpA
    Inventor: Gianni Guala
  • Patent number: 6386247
    Abstract: A valve for a dunnage bag including an inner part having a flange that is laminated to the inside surface of the bag and an outer part having a flange that is laminated to the outside surface of the bag providing that the bag can be inflated/deflated by air passing through both parts and a hole in the bag. The outerpart is a bowl which is stretched away from the bag when the bag is being inflated and which collapses against opening in the inner part to seal the bag and prevent air loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventors: Helmut Richard Elze, Olaf Dietrich Elze, Mark J Caires
  • Publication number: 20020050298
    Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid supply valve comprising a disc-shaped valve body which is equipped with a fluid supply port in the central portion thereof and composed of an elastic material whose peripheral portion is reinforced and fixed with a riqid material, the fluid supply port being closed when the valve body abuts against a fixed valve seat placed so as to be opposite to the fluid supply port, and being opened when the valve body is separated from the fixed valve seat, wherein the disc-shaped valve body is equipped further with a thin-walled portion in the intermediate annular portion between the fluid supply port and the peripheral portion in the radial direction, and/or with an inflectional portion in the radial direction between the fluid supply port and the peripheral portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: HIROFUMI KIKUCHI, YOUICHI NISHIMURO, KUNIO MACHIDA, HISASHI MIYAZAWA
  • Patent number: 6378542
    Abstract: A water valve assembly includes a valve component having defined therein a central cavity and a bypass channel. The water valve assembly also includes a flow control device positioned in the central cavity. The flow control device has defined therein a fluid passage and a sealing member secured to an outer periphery of the flow control device. The flow control device is positionable between a first pressure orientation and a second pressure orientation based on water pressure in the central cavity of the valve component. The sealing member is adapted to prevent advancement of water through the bypass channel when the flow control device is oriented in the first pressure orientation. The sealing member is adapted to allow advancement of water through the bypass channel when the flow control device is oriented in the second pressure orientation. A method of operating an appliance water valve assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Michael R. DuHack
  • Patent number: 6357468
    Abstract: The valve, which is intended to regulate the passage of a fluid through an office [(O)] in a wall [(P)], comprises a tubular body [(10)] and a flexible rubber cover [(11)] which deforms under the action of the pressures [(P1 and P2)] prevailing in the spaces on each side of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Sporting S.A.
    Inventor: Jean Roussel
  • Publication number: 20020029020
    Abstract: A medical valve for valving fluid includes a housing defining a chamber having an inlet, an outlet, and an interior wall, a compressible member within the chamber, and a fluid channel defined by the interior wall. The fluid channel directs fluid received from the inlet toward the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Andrew L. Cote, Brian L. Newton, Charles F. Ganem
  • Patent number: 6345649
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a bi-stable valve especially useful for pressurizing pen refills. Pen refills so equipped may be inflated en masse in a pressure chamber, with a sudden drop in chamber pressure causing the bi-stable element to move from a valve open to a valve closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Louis Dischler
  • Publication number: 20020013556
    Abstract: A normally closed valve that may be opened upon insertion of a nozzle permits two-way flow when opened by a luer-taper nozzle. The valve also is able to resist large back pressures. The valve includes a substantially rigid housing that defines a passageway having an inlet section and an outlet section. The housing has an exterior inlet face to which the inlet section opens. The inlet section preferably has tapered and expanding zones. The tapered zone is adjacent to the exterior inlet face and is shaped to receive the nozzle. The expanding zone is adjacent to the tapered zone and has a larger inner diameter than the tapered zone's inner diameter. The exterior of the inlet section of the housing may have threads to accept luer-lock threads that may surround the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Andrew L. Cote, Charles F. Ganem
  • Publication number: 20020002351
    Abstract: A normally closed valve that may be opened upon insertion of a nozzle permits two-way flow when opened by a luer-taper nozzle. The valve also is able to resist large back pressures. The valve includes a substantially rigid housing that defines a passageway having an inlet section and an outlet section. The housing has an exterior inlet face to which the inlet section opens. The inlet section preferably has tapered and expanding zones. The tapered zone is adjacent to the exterior inlet face and is shaped to receive the nozzle. The expanding zone is adjacent to the tapered zone and has a larger inner diameter than the tapered zone's inner diameter. The exterior of the inlet section of the housing may have threads to accept luer-lock threads that may surround the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: Andrew L. Cote, Charles F. Ganem
  • Patent number: 6334761
    Abstract: A silicone rubber diaphragm pump utilizing a pair of MEMS Parylene check valves and a miniature solenoid plunger and actuator is comprised of a spacer sandwiched by a silicone rubber diaphragm on one side and a check valve support on the other. The check valves in the check valve support form the inlet and outlet to a pumping chamber defined between the check valve support and silicone rubber diaphragm. The pumping action has been demonstrated by driving the silicone diaphragm with the plunger using the solenoid type actuator to generate over and under pressures in the chamber. This forces the pumped medium into and out of the chamber, thus allowing the medium to be transported. Tubing or connectors affixed to the inlet and outlet ports of the check valve support structure allow for external fluidic access. The pump works with both gas and liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Ellis Meng, Xuan-Qi Wang, Charles Grosjean
  • Publication number: 20010050108
    Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid supply valve comprising a disc-shaped valve body which is equipped with a fluid supply port in the central portion thereof and composed of an elastic material whose peripheral portion is reinforced and fixed with a rigid material, the fluid supply port being closed when the valve body abuts against a fixed valve seat placed so as to be opposite to the fluid supply port, and being opened when the valve body is separated from the fixed valve seat, wherein the disc shaped valve body is equipped further with a thin walled portion in the intermediate annular portion between the fluid supply port and the peripheral portion in the radial direction, and/or with an inflectional portion in the radial direction between the fluid supply port and the peripheral portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Applicant: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Hirofumi Kikuchi, Youichi Nishimuro, Kunio Machida
  • Publication number: 20010019034
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a Parylene micro check valve including a micromachined silicon valve seat with a roughened top surface to which a membrane cap is anchored by twist-up tethers. The micro check valve is found to exhibit low cracking pressure, high reverse pressure, low reverse flow leakage, and negligible membrane-induced flow resistance when used as a valve over a micro orifice through which flow liquid and gas fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Xuan-Qi Wang
  • Patent number: 6250331
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a zero crack-pressure, high-flow valve assembly especially suited for use with blood salvage or recovery systems. The valve assembly cooperates with a valve seat defining an opening for selectively providing fluid communication between two adjacent chambers based on a pressure differential between the chambers. The valve assembly includes a disk coupled to a concentric ring support by a plurality of flexible or elastic arms, thereby permitting the disk to move relative to the ring support in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the plane of the ring support and the disk. The connecting arms also define fluid flow passages between the disk and ring support. The valve assembly is mounted so that the disk is normally spaced-apart from the valve seat, allowing fluid to flow between the two chambers. By increasing the relative pressure of the downstream chamber, the disk closes against the valve seat, blocking the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Haemonetics, Corp.
    Inventor: Steven M. Nardi
  • Patent number: 6240962
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a Parylene micro check valve including a micromachined silicon valve seat with a roughened top surface to which a membrane cap is anchored by twist-up tethers. The micro check valve is found to exhibit low cracking pressure, high reverse pressure, low reverse flow leakage, and negligible membrane-induced flow resistance when used as a valve over a micro orifice through which flow liquid and gas fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yu-Chong Tai, Xuan-Qi Wang
  • Patent number: 6237619
    Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-machined fluid-flow device (10) comprising a substrate (12) possessing a flow duct (14), a deformable thin layer (18) such a pump membrane or a valve-forming membrane. According to the invention, the thin layer (18) is a rolled metal sheet, preferably made of titanium, and connected to the substrate (12) in the zone (20) overlapping the flow duct, by an anodic bonding. The invention is applicable to making a valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Westonbridge International Limited
    Inventors: Didier Maillefer, Philippe Renaud
  • Patent number: 6202766
    Abstract: In a drill bit which has a reservoir for storing a supply of lubricant, generally grease, a lubricant passage is formed for flow of lubricant from the reservoir to the bearing. A relief port is formed in the drill bit body to connect at least one of the reservoir and the lubricant passage with an outside surface of the drill bit body. A normally-closed relief valve is mounted in the relief port to selectively permit fluid flow through the relief port and protect the lubrication system against changes in pressure, especially increases in pressure on the grease side, such as might be caused by thermal expansion of the grease or the production of off-gases by the grease. The valve is provided in the form of a small screw-in unit capable of separate manufacture and testing and comprises a valve body carrying a flexible diaphragm element. Venting is provided via a puncture in the diaphragm element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: William L. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 6202901
    Abstract: A modular cap delivery system comprising an elastomeric seal and conformably engaging seat can be affixed to or integrated in the neck of a container such as a bottle, flexible bag, tube, or any container having a neck and holding a quantity of a flowable medium. The configuration of the seal and seat eliminate the influx of air, airborne pathogens, or any contaminant into the container of flowable medium to which the delivery device is attached, thereby maintaining the integrity and sterility of a flowable material, even when challenged by direct contact through immersion in suspensions of bacteria or viruses. The delivery device is highly scalable in size, can work for viscous fluids that are difficult to flow, and enables a flowable material to be reformulated without preservatives or antioxidants. This provides the advantage of an enhanced therapeutic effect for many medications, particularly eye care solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Waterfall Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard R. Gerber, Jyotirmay Deb
  • Patent number: 6116271
    Abstract: A venting valve for a fuel tank of a working tool driven by an internal combustion engine has a pressure compensation channel connecting the fuel tank interior to the surrounding atmosphere. A valve seat and a diaphragm are provided for closing off the pressure compensation channel when the diaphragm is seated on the valve seat. The diaphragm is lifted off the valve seat to open the pressure compensation channel when vacuum is present in the fuel tank interior. The valve seat is located at a first side of the diaphragm facing away from the fuel tank interior. The diaphragm has a central opening arranged centrally relative to the valve seat. A support plate is positioned at a second side of the diaphragm facing the fuel tank interior. It covers the deflecting area of the diaphragm and supports the diaphragm. The support plate has a sealing bead positioned in alignment with the valve seat. The spring forces the support plate and the diaphragm against the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Firma Andreas Stihl AG & Co.
    Inventor: Hans Nickel