With Common Valve Operator Patents (Class 137/862)
  • Publication number: 20100154906
    Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems for liquid flow control and beverage preparation are disclosed. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention include liquid flow control and beverage preparation capsules, pods, cartridges, pouches, systems, and modules for controlling and directing flow streams of liquid through a beverage preparation process. The apparatuses, methods and systems of the present invention may be used in combination with or included as an integral assembly of any apparatus, method or system for liquid dispension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: LUKASZ D. SKALSKI, TIEMEN T. VAN DILLEN
  • Publication number: 20100094200
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved smoke evacuation device for use in laparoscopic surgeries. One improvement is a hydrophilic wick positioned within the inlet system of the smoke device for absorbing moisture and trapping surgical waste entering the smoke evacuation device. The second improvement is a multi-outlet valve inserted into the outlet system of the smoke evacuation device to enable quick depressurization of the surgical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: MEDTEK DEVICES, INC. D/B/A BUFFALO FILTER
    Inventors: Robert O. Dean, Jay T. Kajdas
  • Publication number: 20090283166
    Abstract: The present invention is an adapter for mounting a replacement solenoid to a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep transmission manufactured between 1993 and 2007. The adapter includes a manifold with a transverse mounting block that allows a replacement solenoid to be mounted substantially parallel to the transmission casing. A plurality of pressurized fluid passages are in fluid communication with the replacement solenoid and a factory transducer to the transmission. This adapter allows reliable aftermarket solenoid manufactured by third parties to be retrofitted on to certain Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep transmission known to have high solenoid failure rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: David E. Gott
  • Publication number: 20090090492
    Abstract: A valve device for controlling a recycled, gaseous fluid and/or for heat exchanger/bypass control for a heat exchanger of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, with at least one valve body, and with at least one valve housing for receiving at least part of the valve body. The valve housing has at least one inlet opening for the inflow of a gaseous fluid, at least one first outlet opening for supplying a heat exchanger with gaseous fluid, and at least one second outlet opening for causing the gaseous fluid to bypass the heat exchanger. The valve body has at least one first valve-body partial element which is in the manner of a hollow body and is intended for controlling the flow rate through at least one outlet opening, and at least one second valve-body partial element which is at least partially of conical design and is intended for controlling the flow rate through the inlet opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Frederic Ablitzer, Jurgen Barwig, Tobias Fetzer, Ulrich Maucher, Jens Ruckwied
  • Patent number: 7488446
    Abstract: A disposable connector apparatus designed for one time use in a bioprocessing assembly, and a method for coupling a piece of bioprocessing equipment to a media source in a sterilized environment. The connector apparatus includes a telescoping valve formation with an actuation incorporating a one way lock mechanism that cannot be disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventors: David W. Meyer, Joseph M. Whall
  • Patent number: 7399347
    Abstract: A control valve structure for an oxygen machine uses a motor to link a disc to spin, which activates a pair of valve rods to open and close in sequence through rotation of the motor to control air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Shao-Shih Huang
  • Publication number: 20080128038
    Abstract: A flapper valve assembly and a method of making the same. The flapper valve assembly is mountable to a manifold as a unit. The flapper valve assembly can include bearings that do not require assembly on a shaft of the flapper valve. More particularly, the flapper valve can include a shaft having one or more flap portions and one or more bearing portions molded in place on the shaft as a unitary structure. The bearing portions are separated from adjacent flap portions and/or the shaft thereby forming a bearing that rotates independently of flap portions on the shaft. The flapper valve is mounted to a flapper valve carrier that can include sealing members for facilitating a tight seal between the flapper valve and the carrier and/or the carrier and a manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Robert M. Hutchinson
  • Publication number: 20080128037
    Abstract: A gas valve having a valve member disposed within a valve cavity, and an elastomeric valve seat extending from a valve cavity wall into the valve cavity. The valve member is movable between an open position in which the valve member does not engage the resilient valve seat thereby permitting gas to flow through the gas valve, and a closed position in which the valve member does engage the resilient valve seat thereby preventing gas to flow through the gas valve. In some embodiments, the elastomeric valve seat extends radially into the valve cavity from a groove formed in the valve cavity wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Jiri Benda, Pavel Konecny
  • Publication number: 20080127929
    Abstract: A variable geometry intake manifold for an internal combustion engine; the intake manifold presents: at least one intake pipe which connects the intake manifold to at least one cylinder of the internal combustion engine; and a choking system to vary the geometry of the intake manifold and comprising at least one choke valve provided with a choke body, which is arranged within the intake pipe and is turnably mounted about an axis of rotation; the choke valve integrates therein a pair of mechanical stoppers, which respectively determine the location of an active position and of a home position of the choke body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Federico Lancioni, Michele Pecora, Stefano Fornara
  • Patent number: 7329234
    Abstract: A self-occluding catheter includes a body portion for connection to extracorporeal equipment. An elongated tubular extension is provided for insertion into a body cavity. The body portion includes a resiliently biased spool supported therein which is slidable between an open and a closed position for alternately permitting and stopping the flow of blood through the catheter during a given medical procedure. The biasing device for resilient biasing the spool preferably comprises one or more magnets fixed within the body portion which generate a magnetic force for urging the magnetically polarized spool to its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Sansoucy
  • Patent number: 7174909
    Abstract: A surge prevention valve may be used to prevent the formation of an initial surge of high pressure. The valve may be located, for example, between a high pressure gas cylinder and a medical pressure regulator. The valve is provided with first and second valves located within a housing and integrating a pressurization orifice. The initial opening of the valve in an axial direction enables gas to flow through the pressurization orifice at a first flow rate. The full opening of the valve in the axial direction enables the gas to flow through the second valve at a second flow rate, which is much higher than the first flow rate. The controlled pressurization of the gas through the orifice delays the time during which the gas reaches full recompression. The valve may be further provided with a vent for venting pressurized gas away from a nominally closed top surface of the lower valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Allied Healthcare Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Kroupa, William J. Kullmann
  • Patent number: 7121088
    Abstract: A valve assembly is adapted to be disposed in an automotive engine exhaust system at an outlet of an internal combustion engine. The assembly includes a valve body having an opening therethrough including an inlet portion and an outlet portion. A first valve and a second valve are disposed in the opening intermediate the inlet and outlet portions. The first and second valves have an open position and a closed position. The first valve blocks a first predetermined amount of the opening when in the closed position. The second valve blocks a second predetermined amount of the opening when in the closed position, with the second predetermined amount being less than the first predetermined amount. An actuator is connected to the first valve and the second valve and is operable to selectively move each of the valves between respective the open positions and the closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: David John Lavin
  • Patent number: 7080665
    Abstract: A connector apparatus designed for use in a bioprocessing assembly, and a method for coupling a piece of bioprocessing equipment to a media source in a sterilized environment. The connector apparatus includes a coupler including an end and at least one outlet, and a connector valve connectable at a first end to a fluid source, the connector valve including a valve member, the valve member being partially disposed within the coupler. The connector apparatus further includes a flow passage being actuatable from a closed configuration to an open configuration when the coupler and the connector valve are engaged, as well as being actuatable from an open configuration to a closed configuration. A clip member attached to the coupler allows the valve member to be moved from the closed configuration to the open configuration, and from the open configuration to the closed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventor: Joseph M. Whall
  • Patent number: 7037417
    Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating fluid samples comprises a micro-chip device having first and second covered channels, each channel having openings at both ends. The channels intersect to form a common intersection. Three of the openings of the channels are connected to a multi-port valve to control pressure in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignees: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, DiagnoSwiss SA
    Inventors: Joel S. Rossier, Frederic Reymond, Hye Jin Lee, Xiaoxia Bai, Hubert H. Girault
  • Patent number: 6918408
    Abstract: A valve driving device comprises a main case having one or more inlet pipes through which a fluid flows in from an external compressor and two or more outlet pipes through which the fluid flows out and also having built-in valve elements to open and close openings that are portions of a fluid path for the fluid and are connected to the outlet pipes to flow and stop the fluid and a driving portion for driving the valve elements. When the driving portion is driven in the driving direction, the openings and the valve elements together can switch between four operation modes (close-close, open-close, close-open, and open-open) with respect to the two outlet pipes; three or more of the operation modes, including the close-close mode, being obtained; the driving portion is driven back and forth while two modes of the three or more modes are assigned to be at both ends of the driving direction; and the close-close mode is assigned to be at one of the ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Sankyo Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuhiko Hara
  • Patent number: 6880572
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an exhaust gas control (EGC) valve. The EGC valve comprises a valve housing having at least one inlet port, at least one outlet port, and a flow channel having a centerline extending between the ports. A valve seat is adjacent an opening in the at least one outlet port. The EGC valve further comprises a rotatable actuator shaft offset from the centerline. At least one L-shaped valve armature is operably connected to the actuator shaft. The valve armature has a first leg and a second leg. The first leg is connected to the actuator shaft so that rotation of the actuator shaft in a first direction positions the second leg into sealing engagement with the valve seat to close the flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Jenara Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: John P. Hartley
  • Patent number: 6871669
    Abstract: A disposable connector apparatus designed for one time use in a bioprocessing assembly, and a method for coupling a piece of bioprocessing equipment to a media source in a sterilized environment. The connector apparatus includes a telescoping valve formation with an actuation incorporating a one way lock mechanism that cannot be disconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Colder Products Company
    Inventors: David W Meyer, Joseph M. Whall
  • Patent number: 6782919
    Abstract: A revolving valve for an oxygen machine includes a motor, a cage, a motor secured in the cage, a valve linking to the motor and an air box secured on top of the cage. The valve has a semicircular recess. The air box comprises an air inlet on the top. The air box further comprises a main air passage, a main air outlet, a first secondary air passage, a first secondary air inlet, a second secondary air passage, and a second secondary air inlet, and they all are totally isolated from each other. The first secondary air inlet and the second secondary air inlet are next to the main air outlet. When the motor drives the valve to turn, the recess conducts the first secondary air inlet and the second secondary air inlet with the main air outlet in sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Shao Shih Huang
  • Patent number: 6725875
    Abstract: A directional-control valve is connectable to a first main pipe and to a secondary pipe. The valve includes an upstream port and a downstream port connectable to the first main pipe and having identical diameters. A third connection port is connectable to the secondary pipe. A shut-off member is capable of moving at right angles to the main pipe between a closed position and a second open position. In the closed position, the shut-off member includes a first orifice, of a diameter identical to that of the upstream port and downstream port, positioned in line with the upstream port and the downstream port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: ABB Cellier S.A.
    Inventor: Pascal Mollard
  • Patent number: 6634351
    Abstract: A thermostatic gas valve structure for a kitchen oven comprises a valve body and a body cover, manual and thermostatic valves built into the body to regulate a main flow of said main burner, an actuating shaft traversing said cover and a rotary control coupled to the shaft. The actuating shaft is also provided with reciprocal axial movement so as to push a thermoelectric safety valve, and with a pilot flow passageway departing directly from the safety valve, in order to maintain a standing pilot flow independent of the control turning movements, in which the “off” and “pilot” position markers coincide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Fagor, S. Coop.
    Inventor: Juan José Arabaolaza
  • Patent number: 6589197
    Abstract: A medical fluid passage switching apparatus comprising: at least, a rotatable shaft F; a cam C which is rotated in relation to the rotating movement of the shaft F to close and open divided tubes for determining a passage of a fluid; and a housing L having tube accepting holes I and so arranged to enable the holding of the cam C, is provided. More particularly, provided are such a medical fluid passage switching apparatus in a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) system and a tube which is decreased in the diameter and/or thinned in the wall at a region where the cam or a combination of the cam and the clamp is engaged for closing and opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Doi, Kazuhiro Shinmoto, Zyunya Fujii, Seishin Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20030051759
    Abstract: The invention concerns a valve for controlling flow volumes in the heating and cooling system of a motor vehicle comprising a valve housing (12, 112, 212) and a valve chamber (14, 114, 214) from which at least one intake passage (16, 116, 216) and at least one outlet passage (18, 118, 218) branch off, and comprising at least one valve flap (28, 128, 228) that is arranged in the valve chamber (14, 114, 214) and is rotatable around the axis of a shaft (34, 134, 234), which said valve flap has a valve linkage (30, 130, 230) and a valve sealing head (32, 132, 232) that interacts with at least one valve seat (22, 122, 222) of the valve chamber (14, 114, 214).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Roland Schmidt, Gerta Rocklage, Dirk Vollmer, Nizar Taghouti, Claude Berling
  • Patent number: 6367502
    Abstract: A flow control device has a body (41), a plurality of elastic flow control tube (51-54) provided in the body (41), a single fluid path (55) in communication with the flow control tube (51-54), a slider (56) slidable relative to the body (41), and a valve mechanism (71) for selectively pressing and shutting the flow control tube (51-54) in accordance with a slide position of the slider (56).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Aubex Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Kanai, Etsumi Nagaya
  • Patent number: 6029706
    Abstract: A valve of a storage tank for transporting oils or chemical compounds avoids problems caused by crossing a suction path for external air with a pathway for outputting volatile gases from the storage tank. The valve includes an upper body having a circular inclined hole formed at its top surface; a lower body with an enforcing frame, a circular flange and connection bars; a stem formed at the bottom of the inclined hole at which a screw and a sleeve-shaped rod are formed; a disc having a boss supported by several enforcing spokes; a circular auxiliary plate connected to the screw of the stem; a bushing supporting a weight laid on top of the auxiliary plate; a lock nut fixing the auxiliary plate to the screw of the stem; and a cap having a hole into which the sleeve-shaped rod of the stem can be inserted and another hole in the cap connected to the first hole in the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Korea Steel Power Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwang Il Joo
  • Patent number: 5893390
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) is provided for controlling the flow of a fluid. The apparatus (10) includes a housing (12) having an inlet port (14), an outlet port (16), and a bypass port (18). A throughput block (26) is contained within the housing (12). The throughput block (26) has a number of cylinders (28) formed therein. A number of pistons (34) are received within the cylinders (28). Each piston (34) can move within a corresponding cylinder (28) between a first position and a second position. En the first position, the piston (34) prevents fluid communication between the inlet port (14) and the outlet port (16) and allows fluid communication between the inlet port (14) and the bypass port (18). In the second position, the piston (34) prevents fluid communication between the inlet port (14) and the bypass port (18) and allows fluid communication between the inlet port (14) and the outlet port (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Edward A. Beam, III
  • Patent number: 5804063
    Abstract: A change-over apparatus for use in conjunction with a cooling system of an internal combustion engine having an engine and radiator and having an upper hose between the radiator and the engine which has been cut to form an upper radiator hose section and an upper engine hose section wherein a change-over apparatus comprising at least one tubular body having first and second tube bodies having end openings, with the end opening for connection to said upper radiator hose section, said second end opening for connection to said upper engine hose section, a liquid ingress opening spaced from said first end opening, a liquid egress opening spaced from said second end opening, and, optionally, a flow regulating means placed between said liquid ingress opening and said liquid egress opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Prestone Products Corporation
    Inventors: Richard F. Creeron, Aleksei V. Gershun, Stephen M. Woodward, Peter M. Woyciesjes
  • Patent number: 5704398
    Abstract: A valve linkage comprises valve arrangements each comprising a valve disc disposed in its respective conduit, a valve shaft attached thereto and extending therefrom, and a lever arm attached to the shaft. In one preferred embodiment, certain valve arrangements have an actuating plate attached to their shaft with two adjustable actuating members selectively placeable thereon for selected actuation, and the lever arm is rotatably attached to the shaft adjacent the actuating plate and is further rotatable about the shaft between engagement with the two actuating members, the lever arm adjusts the valve when the lever arm is moved in engagement with an actuating member. A linking rod is pivotally attached to each lever arm of all valve arrangements, and a manually operated handle or a hydraulic cylinder is pivotably mounted to the linking assembly and is movable to simultaneously adjust actuated valve arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: William H. Baker
  • Patent number: 5603354
    Abstract: A volumetric pump for administering intravenous fluids to a patient comprises a housing having an elongate cavity therein with an open and a closed end. A resilient sheet of material having a centrally-located aperture covers the open end, and a pump shaft is slidably disposed through the aperture to form a sphincter seal therebetween. An inlet conduit leading from a fluid source (an IV bag) passes through the housing into the cavity near the open end thereof, and an outlet conduit leading to a fluid sink (the patient) passes through the housing from the cavity near the closed end thereof. The shaft is driven back and forth in reciprocating motion inwardly and outwardly of the cavity to produce, respectively, a positive pressure forcing fluid out of the outlet conduit to the fluid sink, and a negative pressure forcing fluid from the fluid source through the inlet conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Sarcos Group
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Clark C. Davis
  • Patent number: 5520216
    Abstract: A rotary valve assembly is disclosed in which a rotary valve member is located within a casing having one or more fluid inlets and a plurality of fluid outlets. The rotary valve member has a fluid conduit which extends in a generally radial direction and which communicates with the fluid inlet. Fluid orifices communicate with the fluid conduit and exit through opposite sides of the rotary valve member to thereby minimize, or eliminate altogether, axial forces acting on the rotary valve member. Fluid outlet passages communicate with the two fluid orifices during at least pan of the rotation of the rotary valve member to direct the pressurized fluid to the valve outlets. The rotary valve may include a pair of rotary valve members drivingly connected to each other such that they rotate synchronously. The connection may include gear teeth formed on the adjacent peripheries of the rotary valve members such that rotation of one of the valve members causes rotation of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Societe Nationale d'Etude et de Construction de Moteurs d'Aviation S.N.E.C.M.A.
    Inventors: Guv d'Agostino, Jean-Marie Brocard, Pierre G. J. Hebert, Franck Liotte, Eric C. Lorne, Claude Maillard, Alain Tiepel
  • Patent number: 5427141
    Abstract: In a pressure fluid control valve device, the fluid exhausted from an internal combustion engine flows through a pair of paths selectively or simultaneously. Each of the paths is opened and closed by a butterfly valve fixed to a valve shaft. A coupling for connecting the valve shafts across the paths comprises a slitting recess and a projection provided at the opposing ends of the valve shafts respectively. The direction of the surface of the recess and the projection is set to within 30 degrees with respect to the direction of the surface of the valve disc fixed to the valve shaft having the recess. Thus, the corner of the recess is not engaged with the bearing surface which is loaded, thereby making axial length for connecting the valve shafts to zero to manufacture the light and compact device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Fuji Oozx Inc.
    Inventor: Kizuku Ohtsubo
  • Patent number: 5417245
    Abstract: A novel metering valve is used to split the streams in which a continuous fluid stream passes unregulated through the valve along a primary flow path. A second stream is formed by passing a small portion of the fluid in the primary flow path through a passage in a valve seat. The fluid passing through the valve seat is precisely metered by a valve stem which engages the valve seat passage to control the amount of fluid diverted from the primary flow path. Both fluid from the unregulated primary flow path and through the metered flow path flow simultaneously from the valve. The metering valve of the invention has particular use in processes for dividing a condensed distillate stream into a product stream and a reflux stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Hoechst Celanese Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald V. King, William V. Sargent
  • Patent number: 5399172
    Abstract: A catheter is provided having a main body defining two lumens and a connection structure at a proximal end of the main body. This structure includes a housing attached directly to the main body and defining a pair of passages connecting one to each of the lumens, and a pair of rotary valves operable to open and close the passages. The rotary valves are operable manually about individual axes by operators attached to the valves to turn the valves. The operators may be ganged for movement together to move both valves simultaneously between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Med-Pro Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey S. Martin, Charles G. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 5390899
    Abstract: A valve for controlling fluid flow comprises a body having an inlet and an outlet, the body having an opening at one end; a controlling stem disposed axially of the body with one end portion extending through the body opening, the stem being pivotable about the body opening between a normal position when the valve is closed and a pivoted position when the valve is open; and a first elastic ring disposed within the body in sealing contact with the stem and disposed between with the inlet and the outlet, thereby to prevent fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet. The stem when in the pivoted position being adapted to deform the first elastic ring to create an opening between the stem and the first elastic ring, thereby to permit fluid to flow from the inlet through the opening to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventor: Sergio Perez C.
  • Patent number: 5372424
    Abstract: A mixer of the type comprising an axle (2) such as a screw rotatably mounted within a trough (1) is characterized in that the rotatable axle (2) has at its periphery at least one opening comprising an injection point (21) or distribution point of at least one of the constituents of the mixture. The mixer is useful in the production of foundry molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Assistance Maintenance Industrielle Gildasienne
    Inventor: Alain-Gabriel Lecouturier
  • Patent number: 5279358
    Abstract: An exhaust system for a gas turbine has a main axial duct which feeds a heat exchanger to make use of the residual heat in the exhaust gases. The heat exchanger may in some circumstances be overloaded so a branch duct is taken from the main duct conventionally by means of a T-junction with a flap valve closing off either the main (axial) outlet or the branch outlet. The branch duct is then taken to an exhaust stack. Turbulence at the T-junction causes poor flow upstream of the junction and corresponding poor turbine performance. The invention provides a junction in which the main axial duct (1) passes smoothly through a bypass chamber (15) which surrounds the axial duct (1). Slots (17) in the axial duct within the chamber (15) permit passage of the exhaust gases to the bypass duct (19). Rotating blade valves (13 and 23) in the two duct outlets control the relative flow of exhaust to heat exchanger and exhaust stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: European Gas Turbines Limited
    Inventor: John M. Hannis
  • Patent number: 5277226
    Abstract: A water line adapter designed to convert a single water outlet line into a multiple outlet water line, with the adapter comprising a cubical body, a captive rotatable threaded nut attached to one face of the body, a first threaded member attached to the opposite face, and a second threaded member attached to another face. In one application, the adapter is attached to a shut-off valve by threading the captive rotatable nut over the threaded member of the shut-off valve. In this manner, a single outlet shut-off valve can be converted into a shut-off valve having two outlets. The adapter is particularly useful in providing a water supply to appliances such as ice makers, dishwashers and under-the-counter water filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Peter Kuhlman
  • Patent number: 5246036
    Abstract: A multi-port shut-off valve assembly of the type known to the plumbing industry as an angle stop. The valve has a body shaped as a solid rectangle, with an internally threaded port in each face of the body. A shut-off valve is received in one of the ports, and it controls the flow of water entering the body from another of the ports to the remaining ports. A number of fittings are threaded into the remaining ports, the fittings being either compression unions or compression reducing unions, and each of the fittings has external threads at each end thereof. Water-carrying tubes are respectively coupled to the fittings by compression nuts threaded thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Inventor: John Gurowitz
  • Patent number: 5244011
    Abstract: A fluid control valve including a housing defining a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and two eccentrically and rotatably mounted, oppositely disposed plug elements arranged for selective sealing of the inlet and outlet, the plug elements being coupled to a stem arranged to move in a direction perpendicular to the fluid flow for simultaneous pivoting of the plug elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: Edgar Feldinger
  • Patent number: 5195926
    Abstract: A flap arrangement, especially for a ventilation or airconditioning system or vehicles, has two flaps which are pivotable about pivot axes parallel to one another and which are coupled to one another for the oppositely directed pivoting movement. The coupling is made via a coupling rod articulated on the two flaps. To achieve a pivoting angle of the same amount on both flaps, the articulation points are so determined that, on the one hand, the radius of the circular paths described by them during the pivoting of the flaps is of equal size and, on the other hand, during the pivoting of the flaps, an imaginary effective straight line respectively connecting the two articulation points rotates about an imaginary center of rotation located approximately in the middle between the two pivot axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz AG
    Inventor: Thomas Dietterle
  • Patent number: 5167254
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid, comprising an 8-way switcg valve for directing an inlet stream of air to one of multiple adsorber beds and then to the crew compartment of an air-tight vehicle while simultaneously directing an outlet stream of air to another adsorber bed and then to the atmosphere, whereby the inlet stream may be purified by adsorption on one bed while the other bed is regenerated. The fluid is directed by passageways in rotatable valve spools axially colinearly aligned, connected together so as to rotate simultaneously, and having ports aligned with openings in a sealed valve housing which communicate with inlet and outlet piping and absorber bed piping. Rotating the valve spool aligns various configurations of passageways and piping so as to direct the streams to different beds. The valve spools may be contained in separate housings for safety, avoiding cross contamination during switching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Daniel C. Walter, Robert N. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5066216
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for injecting viscous materials. The apparatus includes a vertically adjustable manifold valve which receives a continuously circulating supply of pressurized viscous material. The manifold valve is positioned above a container or mold cavity to be filled with the viscous material. When the manifold valve is opened, the viscous material is injected into the containers or molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Binney & Smith Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Kowtko, Richard A. Mellwig
  • Patent number: 5014883
    Abstract: A paint toning machine comprising a plurality of color paste containers (1); a pump (2) for each paste container (1) for pumping color paste (3) for the dispensing and circulation thereof; and a dispensing valve (11) for each pump (2) for dispensing a desired amount of color paste. For the elimination of the problems caused by leaks occurring in the dispensing valve and the pipe connections thereof, the dispensing valve (11) according to the invention is arranged in the paste container (1) in the vicinity of a bottom (4) thereof essentially below the surface of the color paste (3) contained in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Cimcorp Oy
    Inventor: Pentti Airaksinen
  • Patent number: 4971111
    Abstract: A rotary piston valve arrangement, for a pneumatic settling tank, including rotary piston valves disposed in a common housing, with a first rotary piston valve being designed for the control of an additive stroke, and a second rotary piston valve being designed for the control of a discharge position. To reduce the amount of air required for controlling the settling tank, an element is provided for periodically shutting off the passage of air between the air inlet opening of the first rotary piston valve and the settling chamber during the time interval of an intake position of the first rotary piston valve and a simultaneous discharge position of the second rotary piston valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Allmineral Aufbereitungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Heribert Breuer
  • Patent number: 4966198
    Abstract: This invention relates to a diversion valve for a liquid metering arrangement including a liquid meter, a sampling chamber and a sub-sampler. The diversion valve has a first position allowing liquid to flow normally to the meter, sampling chamber and sub-sampling chamber. The diversion valve has a second position wherein a major proportion of the flow of a cleaning liquid is diverted through the valve and into the sampling chamber for cleaning-in-place to be effected. A smaller proportion of the cleaning liquid is allowed past the diversion valve for cleaning-in-place of the remaining components of the metering arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Inventor: John L. Hartstone
  • Patent number: 4850793
    Abstract: Existing steam chests having a plurality of valves which are incapable of operation by individual high pressure valve actuators may be modified to provide apparatus for transferring operation of a steam turbine at less than a full load betweeen a full-arc admission mode and a partial-arc admission mode. For those steam chests of the internal bar lift type, the outboard valves are disconnected from the bar and coupled directly to respective servomotors. As such, the pre-existing servomotor utilized to lift the internal bar, as well as the additional servomotors for the outboard valves, are operatively connected to a conventional control means. In those steam chests of the external bar lift type, an additional servomotor is coupled through an actuator rod to the pre-existing pivot point of the external bar, and is thereafter controlled by conventional means for interactively activating the pre-existing servomotor and the additional servomotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: George J. Silvestri, Jr., Scott W. Kendall
  • Patent number: 4846225
    Abstract: A transmission assembly for operating a double block and bleed valve system having a first block valve with a first valve shaft, a second block valve with a second valve shaft and a bleed valve disposed between the first and second block valves, the transmission assembly comprising a cam assembly having a cam plate journaled for rotation about a fixed axis, a first link member interconnecting the cam assembly and the first shaft for effecting rotation of the first shaft in response to rotation of the cam plate, a second link member interconnecting the cam assembly and the second shaft for effecting rotation of the second shaft in response to rotation of the cam plate, said first link member being operative to effect initial rotation of the first shaft from a first position in response to rotation of said cam plate, said second link member being operative to effect initial rotation of said second shaft from a first position in response to further rotation of said cam plate after said initial rotation of said f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Keystone International, Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Scobie, Daniel P. Kusmer
  • Patent number: 4794943
    Abstract: A valve assembly (10) for controlling high pressure gas with low controlling gas pressures. The assembly includes a valve housing (12) having a cavity (22), an inlet port (26) and two outlet ports (28, 30). Mounted within the housing in communication with each outlet port are tubular members (38), each having a closed end (38.3) and an aperture (42) in a smooth cylindrical sidewall (38.2). A wobble bar (50) within the cavity is associated with a rubber-like sheet of material (54), which sheet has two sealing portions (56.2, 56.4) draped over the apertures. A very soft sponge-like resilient block (56) normally holds the sealing portions against the apertures to cause the apertures to be sealed. Actuating structure causes the wobble bar to be moved from a normal position to an operative position, an end of the wobble bar bearing down upon another portion of the rubber-like sheet of material to cause an adjacent sealing portion to peel away from the aperture to permit flow through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: Figgie International Inc.
    Inventor: Reno L. Vicenzi
  • Patent number: 4792186
    Abstract: A value incorporated into apparatus for controlling rigidity of a vehicle seat includes a housing defining a bore terminating in first and second counterbore ends with a narrowed central portion therebetween. A first port through the housing opens into the central portion, while a second port opens into both counterbore portions at or near the junction with the central portion. A two-piece resilient sealing member is disposed within the bore, and has enlarged first and second ends positioned in sealing contact within the counterbore portions to seal the bore, The sealing member is also normally positioned in sealing contact with the junction areas to seal the central portion from the counterbore portions. The sealing member may be moved longitudinally within the bore to move one of the enlarged portions away from one of the junction areas to open a fluid flow path between the ports. Normally open electrical switches are provided to be actuated upon longitudinal movement of the sealing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Cooper Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Gary H. Benjamin, Harry O. Jones
  • Patent number: 4768558
    Abstract: A multi-port valve assembly for controlling the flow of fluid through a plurality of outlet ports. A valve housing defines a common inlet and a plurality of outlet ports. A valve member corresponds to each outlet port for controlling fluid flow through the respective port. Each valve member is independently adjustable for separately adjusting fluid flow characteristics through its respective port. All of the valve members are conjointly movable for controlling fluid flow through all the outlet ports simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Kent Weber
  • Patent number: 4765536
    Abstract: A thermostat assembly for a gas fired oven including an integral control valve having a rotatable tapered valve member with axially spaced valving grooves, separately valving fuel gas flow to the standing pilot and main burner lines from separate inlet ports in a tapered bore in the valve block. In the "OFF" and "PILOT" valve positions, fuel gas is permitted to flow only to the pilot burner line. In the range of "ON" position, fuel gas is permitted to flow to both the main burner and pilot lines. Rotation of valve to any of the "ON" positions varies the setting of a thermostat which responds to ambient temperature to substantially reduce main burner flow when a desired ambient temperature has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Frank H. Bergquist