Single Inlet With Multiple Distinctly Valved Outlets Patents (Class 137/883)
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Patent number: 12140235Abstract: A valve block for single use in a bioprocess, having a plurality of valve units and a one-piece block body having a main conduit. Each valve unit includes a secondary conduit, a valve seat between the secondary conduit and the main conduit, a closure part having a gripping portion, and an actuator coupled to the gripping portion which can transfer the closure part from a first switching position, in which the closure part is pressed against the valve seat and blocks a fluid communication between the secondary conduit and the main conduit, to a second switching position, in which the closure part is lifted from the valve seat and unblocks the fluid communication between the secondary conduit and the main conduit. The gripping portion is sealed against both the main conduit and the secondary conduit in both switching positions of the valve unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2021Date of Patent: November 12, 2024Assignee: SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBHInventor: Christian Grimm
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Patent number: 12013041Abstract: The present application relates to a multi fluid path selector valve, including a valve body, and several fluid outlet pipes. The valve body is provided with several layers of branch channels therein, the branch channel includes a fluid inlet hole and several branch holes. The valve body is provided with communication holes therein for one-to-one communicating the branch holes with the fluid outlet pipes. The valve body is provided with a control mechanism to control the on or off state between the branch hole and communication hole, and the valve body is provided with fluid inlet pipes in communication with the fluid inlet holes respectively.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2022Date of Patent: June 18, 2024Assignee: Beijing Zhongshan Golden Bridge Biotechnology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Zichang Zhao, Shiliang Zhou, Guanghao Li, Haiyang Zhang, Fei Zhao
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Patent number: 11933421Abstract: A self-energized programmable timer valve is provided in embodiments of this invention that can be used in watering and other systems, such as lawn watering systems and agricultural watering systems. The invention provides one or more components that serve the functions of a clock, a valve and an energizer (e.g., turbine) (i.e., a clock function, a valve function, and an energizing and/or turbine function) to control the flow of media (e.g., water) through the valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Inventor: Frank Wei
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Patent number: 11914408Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a system for active flow control includes one or more flow control devices configured to control flow between a fluid source and a fluid destination, and a control module configured to control a flow area of each of the one or more flow control devices with fluid provided from the fluid source flowing to the fluid destination through the one or more flow control devices.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Matej Rutar
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Patent number: 11898643Abstract: A dual union drain valve has union couplings to permit a variety of fitting ends. The dual union drain valve has a T-valve member at the intersection of the tee-shaped valve body that can be rotated within the fluid passageway to provide a variety of options for selectively closing sections of the fluid passageway.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2022Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: NIBCO Inc.Inventor: Christopher W. Mason
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Patent number: 11851031Abstract: A manifold assembly for a camera wash system of an autonomous vehicle is disclosed. The manifold assembly includes a fluid inlet; a plurality of fluid injectors, each fluid injector configured to switch between an open state in which fluid passes through the fluid injector and a closed state in which fluid does not pass through the fluid injector; a block member configured to hold the fluid injectors in a fixed position; and a rail member including a fluid passage in fluid communication between the fluid inlet and each fluid injector for providing a cleaning fluid to each of the fluid injectors.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2022Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Vitesco Technologies USA, LLCInventors: Michael J Hornby, Steven Paul Nowinski, Michael J Zaitz
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Patent number: 11835146Abstract: Embodiments of symmetric flow valves for use in a substrate processing chamber are provided herein. In some embodiments, a symmetric flow valve includes a valve body having sidewalls, a bottom plate, and a top plate that together define an interior volume, wherein the top plate includes one or more axisymmetrically disposed openings; a poppet disposed in the interior volume, wherein the poppet includes a central opening and a plurality of portions configured to selectively seal the one or more axisymmetrically disposed openings of the top plate when the symmetric flow valve is in a closed position; and a first actuator coupled to the poppet to position the poppet within the interior volume in at least an open position, where the poppet is spaced apart from the top plate to allow flow through the one or more axisymmetrically disposed openings of the top plate, and the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2021Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Andrew Nguyen, Yogananda Sarode Vishwanath, Xue Chang, Anilkumar Rayaroth, Chetan Naik, Balachandra Jatak Narayan
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Patent number: 11815187Abstract: The invention relates to a 3-port valve for passing fluids therethrough, having a valve body, a port, a first sub-port and a second sub-port, with the port being adjoined by a main line which ends in a connecting region, said first sub-port having a first sub-port line that is connected to the connecting region, said second sub-port having a second sub-port line that is connected to the connecting region, with at least one valve member being arranged in the connecting region, which valve member can be displaced along a valve member axis between an opening position and a closed position thereof in the connecting region, so that, in a first valve position, the port is fluidically connected to the first sub-port, in a second valve position, the port is fluidically connected to the second sub-port, in a third valve position, the port is fluidically connected to both the first and second sub-ports, in a fourth valve position, the port is fluidically connected neither to the first sub-port nor to the second sub-porType: GrantFiled: January 26, 2022Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: MAAG GERMANY GMBHInventors: Drew Thompson, Carl Kelley
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Patent number: 11703132Abstract: A valve having a body having a first section and a second section; an extended flange attached to the second section of the body or disposed as an integral part of the second section of the body; an elongate bore extending through the body and having a proximal end and a distal end; a longitudinally displaceable plunger disposed in and extending along the bore, the plunger having a proximal end and a distal end and having a first position displaced toward the distal end of the bore and a second position displaced toward the proximal end of the bore; a diaphragm seal attached to the proximal end of the plunger and sealing the bore at the proximal end thereof; a gland seal sealing the bore at a location intermediate the diaphragm seal and the distal end of the bore; the plunger extending through and being sealingly secured to the gland seal; a fluid transfer opening in the bore between the diaphragm seal and the gland seal; longitudinal displacement of the plunger moving the diaphragm seal to open the bore, theType: GrantFiled: June 17, 2020Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: EMD Millipore CorporationInventor: Brian Pereira
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Patent number: 11579635Abstract: A first valve of a manifold for a fluid distribution system may regulate a fluid flow to a first fluid handling device (“FHD”). A second valve of the manifold may communicate with a second FHD, a reservoir, or a recirculation line. A target flow condition for the manifold may be determined by a manifold control system (“MCS”) based on a device setting received for the first FHD. The MCS may determine a fluid distribution system operation for obtaining the target flow condition based on the target flow condition, a flowrate of the fluid flow, and an operational state of a supply device. The operation may include the MCS controlling at least one of the supply device, the first valve, and the second valve to change the flowrate. The MCS may continuously operate at least one manifold valve to maintain the target flow condition once exhibited by the manifold.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2021Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Doyle, William Weiss
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Patent number: 11504927Abstract: Introduced here are methods, apparatuses, and systems for mitigating the contact pressure applied to a human body by the surface of an object, such as a chair, bed, or table. A pressure-mitigation apparatus can include a series of chambers whose pressure can be individually varied. When placed between a patient and a contact surface, a controller can vary the contact pressure on the human body by controllably inflating one or more chambers, deflating one or more chambers, or any combination thereof. By monitoring the pressure in each chamber over time, the controller can also gain an enhanced understanding of movement(s) performed by the human body when positioned on the pressure-mitigation apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2019Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: TurnCare, Inc.Inventors: Rafael Paolo Squitieri, Robert Charles Deutsch, Steven Bruce Frazier, Robert Loiacono, Linda Seaman, Erica Kelly
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Patent number: 11358186Abstract: The invention relates to a connector head (12) comprising an interior space (40), a tank connector (13) which is in fluid communication with the interior space (40) and which can be fluidly connected to a valve apparatus (10) mounted on the tank (9) for filling or emptying the tank (9), a product port (14) in fluid communication with the interior space (40) and a discharge port (33) in fluid communication with the interior space (40). To allow a tank to be filled and emptied under improved hygienic conditions, it is proposed that the connector head (12) comprises a first valve (29), with which first valve (29) the product port (14) can be shut off from the interior space (40), a second valve (34), with which second valve (34) the discharge port (33) can be shut off from the interior space (40), and a cleaning device (38) adapted and arranged to clean the interior space (40) and the tank connector (13). The invention also relates to a valve block.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2018Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Inventors: Heiko Busch, Reimar Gutte, Thomas Christian Hagnauer, Urs Langenegger
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Patent number: 11352222Abstract: An assembly to distribute flowable particulate material, the assembly including: a conduit to which the material is delivered and to which an airstream is supplied to move the material along the conduit to a delivery downstream destination; material delivery means connected to the conduit for delivery of material to the downstream destination; control means operatively associated with the material delivery means to selectively deliver a pre-determined rate of the material to a separator to engage the airstream to concentrate the material in a portion of the airstream, the separator being positioned within the conduit upstream of the material delivery means; air distribution means in constant fluid communication with the separator and the material delivery means to control airflow to the material delivery means.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2020Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: Ausplow Pty LtdInventor: Alexander Trushin
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Patent number: 11248749Abstract: In one embodiment, the method begins by flowing a product stream through an upstream pipeline comprising a first product stream. The product stream is then continuously analyzed with an automated analyze to produce data. The first product stream downstream is then directed downstream of the automated analyzer to a downstream first product stream pipeline. The method then changes the product stream flowing through the upstream pipeline from the first product stream to a second product stream without purging the first product stream from the upstream pipeline, thereby creating a transmix product stream within the upstream pipeline wherein the transmix product stream comprises a mixture of the first product stream and the second product stream. The data from the automated analyzer is then analyzed with an automatic splitter, wherein the product stream flowing through the upstream pipeline no longer matches the physical and/or chemical characteristics of the first product stream.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2021Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: Phillips 66 CompanyInventors: Paul Rady, Marisa Purificato, Franklin Uba, Ayuba Fasasi
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Patent number: 11208080Abstract: A cleaning system includes a straight pipe defining an axis, an inlet fluidly connected to the pipe and in line with the axis, and at least three outlets fluidly connected to and elongated from the pipe. The outlets extend parallel to each other and transverse from the pipe. The pipe has an increasing cross-sectional area along the axis from the outlet closest to the inlet to the outlet farthest from the inlet.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2019Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Segundo Baldovino, Venkatesh Krishnan, Ashwin Arunmozhi, Raghuraman Surineedi, Ashley Lucas
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Patent number: 11136006Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for inflating a tire that includes a housing with at least one first connection port and at least one second connection port. The second connection port includes connecting means to interconnect the device with a pressure tank. The first connection port is fluidically connected to the second connection port by means of a fluid passage. Furthermore the device comprises a first valve. When a pressure tank is connected to the second connection port and when the first valve is in a closed state, the first valve is suited to prevent air from flowing from inside of the pressure tank out of the first connection port. When the first valve is in an open state, it is suited to allow passage of air from inside of the pressure tank through the fluid passage to the first connection port. The device further includes a second valve that is connectable to an inflator for pressurizing the tank.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2020Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: SPORT COMPONENTS AGInventors: Pius Kobler, Dominik Eggert, Nico Spinelli, Arno Lenzi
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Patent number: 11022986Abstract: The present embodiment describes a pipeline interchange, wherein the pipeline interchange has a refined petroleum product flowing through an upstream pipeline. The pipeline interchange can also have an automated slipstream analyzer connected to the upstream pipeline comprising an inlet, a return and an analyzer. In this embodiment, the automated slipstream analyzer is used to collect a sample, analyze the sample, generate data from the sample and return the sample of the refined petroleum product flowing through the upstream pipeline. The pipeline interchange can also have an automatic splitter, downstream of the automated slipstream analyzer, capable of receiving and interpreting the data from the automated slipstream analyzer and directing the refined petroleum product into at least three different downstream pipelines, wherein at least one of the downstream pipelines is an intermix pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Phillips 66 CompanyInventor: Paul Rady
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Patent number: 10830259Abstract: A solenoid high pressure indexing valve system, having at least one solenoid manifold assembly with a manifold assembly and a plurality of solenoid valve assemblies; and a power supply assembly. The manifold assembly has a top face, first and second lateral faces, an inlet tube face, and a sensor face. The top face has a plurality of bores having respective valve bases and inlet-outlet passages. The first and second lateral faces each has a plurality of lateral holes. The inlet tube face is opposite to the sensor face and has an inlet hole, and the sensor face has a sensor hole. The manifold assembly further has an inlet passage and a plurality of outlet passages. The manifold assembly further has an inlet tube and a plurality of outlet tubes. The manifold assembly further has a pressure sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2018Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Inventor: Keith Donald Brookins
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Patent number: 10781939Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for gas sampling, for controlling and measuring a gaseous flow, and for controlling a pressure gradient. An exemplary device 1 for controlling a gaseous flow comprises a gaseous flow adjusting interface 2, configured to inhibit or allow a flow of gas through the device 1 in a controlled manner, and control means 3, 4 of the adjusting interface. The adjusting interface 2 comprises a plurality of nano-holes 20. Each of the nano-holes has sub-micrometric dimensions and is suitable to be opened or closed in a controlled manner. The control means 3,4, in turn, comprise actuating means 3, suitable to open or close these nano-holes, and electronic processing means 4, configured to activate the actuation means to open or close individually or collectively the nano-holes 20 in a controlled manner.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2015Date of Patent: September 22, 2020Assignee: Nanotech Analysis S.R.L.Inventors: Gianpiero Mensa, Raffaele Correale
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Patent number: 10711911Abstract: The disclosure relates to a pressure distributor for a motor vehicle, in particular for pneumatic actuators in seats, wherein a pressure generator and a plurality of pneumatic actuators can be connected to the pressure distributor, wherein each actuator is assigned at least one electrically controllable valve which forwards a pressure which is generated by the pressure generator in a targeted manner via a respective outlet to the actuator which is assigned to it, wherein the plurality of valves are supplied with compressed air by the pressure generator during operation of the pressure distributor via a respective inlet of a common air inlet line. The common air inlet line is connected as a separate component via a releasable connection to the plurality of valves.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2016Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbHInventors: Michael Beuschel, Gerhard Berghoff, Alexander Kerler
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Patent number: 10657480Abstract: Methods and systems for pharmacy modeling are described. The risk adjusted pharmacy predictive model is created from member data, claims data, and population data. This model can be used to compare the actual pharmacy performance to an expected actual pharmacy performance value, which can be used to identify pharmacies at risk or not performing to an acceptable level. The model can be used for adherence and generic drug utilization ratings of pharmacies. The pharmacy can be judged on a therapy class by therapy class basis with factors that reflect the demographic, socio-economic, location, benefits attributes, etc. that actually affect the performance of the pharmacy and may assist in determining the quality of care by a pharmacy.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2017Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.Inventors: Dhanur S. Balagere, David A. Tomala, Robert F. Nease, Reethi N. Iyengar
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Patent number: 10555545Abstract: A dispensing apparatus (20; 300; 400) comprises: a freezing cylinder (40); a water flowpath (526); a first controllable valve (130) along the water flowpath; a syrup flowpath (528), merging with the water flowpath and proceeding as a water/syrup flowpath (552) to the freezing cylinder; and a second controllable valve (132) along the syrup flowpath. The first controllable valve and the second controllable valve each comprise: a valve body (144; 432) having a cartridge compartment (164,166), an inlet (176) to the cartridge compartment, and an outlet (178) from the cartridge compartment; and a valve cartridge (162).Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2018Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: Taylor Commercial Foodservice Inc.Inventor: Kevin H. Bischel
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Patent number: 10330312Abstract: A premixing apparatus in which a downstream end of a gas supply passage having interposed therein a flow control valve is connected to a gas suction section disposed in an air supply passage on an upstream side of a fan. The premixing apparatus has: a butterfly valve as an air resistance changeover device for changing over, between high and low, a ventilation resistance in that section of the air supply passage which is on the upstream side of the gas suction section; and a gas resistance changeover device for changing over, between high and low, a ventilation resistance in that section of the gas supply passage which is on the downstream side of the flow control valve. Wind noises at the time of closing the butterfly valve can be prevented.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2017Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: RINNAI CORPORATIONInventors: Tomoyuki Shimazu, Mitsuru Miyata
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Patent number: 10260639Abstract: Actuator bushings having integral seals are described herein. An example apparatus includes a bushing having a central bore to receive a stem and an annular groove at an end of the bushing. The annular groove surrounds the bore to define a flexible ring to form a seal against the stem.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2013Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLCInventors: Trenton Frank Jackson, Meredith Jan Bell
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Patent number: 10234044Abstract: An encapsulated valve system includes a first housing portion having a first facing surface, the first facing surface comprising a plurality of branch pathways formed as a recess within the first facing surface. The valve system further includes a second housing portion having a second facing surface, the second facing surface comprising a plurality of branch pathways formed as a recess within the second facing surface. A disposable conduit is configured to be interposed between the first and second housing portions and disposed within the recess of the first facing surface and the recess of the second facing surface. The disposable conduit is thus sandwiched between the first and second facing surfaces. A plurality of pinch valve actuators are mounted on one or both of the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the plurality of pinch valve actuators configured to pinch the disposable conduit at selective branch pathways.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2016Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: ALPHINITY, LLCInventors: Michael C. Gagne, Steven V. Cates
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Patent number: 10194678Abstract: A dispensing apparatus has: a freezing cylinder; a water flowpath; a first controllable valve along the water flowpath; a syrup flowpath; and a second controllable valve along the syrup flowpath. The flowpaths merge as a water/syrup flowpath to the freezing cylinder. The first controllable valve and the second controllable valve each have: a valve body having a cartridge compartment, an inlet to the cartridge compartment, and an outlet from the cartridge compartment; and a valve cartridge. The valve cartridge has: a cartridge body mounted in the cartridge compartment; a valve element carried by the cartridge body; and a solenoid carried by the cartridge body and coupled to the valve element to drive movement of the valve element. The valve element is shiftable between a first condition permitting communication between the inlet and the outlet and a second condition blocking communication between the inlet and the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2016Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: TAYLOR COMMERCIAL FOODSERVICE INC.Inventor: Kevin H. Bischel
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Patent number: 10130902Abstract: A filter arrangement with a top element and a bottom element and a filter element therebetween captures oversized particles on the upper surface of the filter element and tangentially rinses these particles using an elution fluid to provide a concentration of particles in a relatively low volume of fluid for further analysis. A configuration using a slider valve may also be utilized. Additionally, an arrangement of supply and receiving containers may be used to minimize the number of containers required. A mass flow meter may be incorporated to measure the flow of elution fluid. Finally, a wash stage of the filtering process may be used to introduce stain onto the particles for further analysis, such as that associated with Gram staining and these stained particles may be further analyzed.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2014Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: POCARED DIAGNOSTICS LTD.Inventors: Jonathan Gurfinkel, Gal Ingber
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Patent number: 10107410Abstract: The subject invention provides a fluid routing device for directing the transportation of a fluid including a housing defining first and second corridors selectively fluidly coupled to one another, and a valve assembly capable of alternating between an open configuration fluidly coupling the first and second corridors and a closed configuration fluidly separating the first and second corridors. A shape memory alloy member alternates between a de-energized state and an energized state. A link is pivotably mounted to the housing and is coupled between the valve assembly and the shape memory alloy member. The link pivots between a first position when the shape memory alloy member is in the de-energized state and a second position when the shape memory alloy member is in the energized state which alternates the valve assembly between the closed configuration and the open configuration for selectively fluidly coupling the first and second corridors.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2013Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: KONGSBERG AUTOMOTIVE ABInventors: Frank Dankbaar, Anders Grönhage
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Patent number: 10087925Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a pneumatic distribution system having pneumatic pump that exhausts into a common plenum that is in fluid communication with a plurality of flow controllers. In an illustrative embodiment, a system controller may coordinate the operation of the one or more pneumatic pumps and the plurality of flow controllers to provide air pressure control to a system of pneumatic chambers. In some embodiments, one of the plurality of flow controllers may be configured to provide fluid communication with an ambient atmosphere so as to permit a fluid path from a pneumatic chamber connected to another flow controller to the ambient atmosphere via both flow controllers and the common plenum. In an exemplary embodiment, the system controller may advantageously control the air pressures in a plurality of pneumatic chambers independently of one another using coordinated control of the pump and flow controllers.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2015Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Nextern, Inc.Inventors: Ryan Douglas, Casey Carlson, Dennis Berke, Ken Vojacek
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Patent number: 9927035Abstract: A valve manifold includes a housing defining an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports. Each of the plurality of outlet ports defines a sealing face. The manifold also includes a plurality of poppets, wherein each of the plurality of poppets is disposed within a respective one of the plurality of outlet ports and is configured for translating towards and away from the sealing face. The manifold also includes a plurality of actuators each configured for translating a respective one of the plurality of poppets towards and away from the sealing face, wherein each of the plurality of actuators is formed from a shape memory alloy transitionable between a first state and a second state in response to a thermal activation signal. A washer system, a device, and a method of simultaneously controlling fluid flow to a first component and a second component of the device are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Dynalloy, Inc.Inventors: Paul W. Alexander, Nancy L. Johnson, James Holbrook Brown, Tyler P. Ownby, Brian W. Bowling
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Patent number: 9925329Abstract: An intravenous (IV) set system comprising a primary IV set defining a primary flow line of the IV set system. The primary flow line can include multiple access points along its length and feeds to a merging fluid pathway proximate to the distal terminus of the primary IV set. At least one secondary IV set with corresponding flow lines can be separably joined to the primary IV set to cause the secondary flow lines to be in fluid communication with the primary flow line. At least one of the IV sets can have a unique set of uniform marking indicia to facilitate rapid identification of the IV sets from other IV sets within the IV set system. Such marked and identified primary and/or secondary IV sets can be allocated to specific medical functions and/or can be for use by specific medical personnel to thereby minimize risk of error in administration of an IV to a patient. The IV set system can further comprise a merging fluid pathway about a primary IV set.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Somnus Medical, LLCInventors: Lucas Reichert, Edwin T. Bulloch, Anthony Clark Harward
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Patent number: 9920860Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for producing welded assemblies of plastic parts for use in fluid flow applications. A unit cell structure is disclosed for use in an assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, an assembly of welded plastic parts for a fluid flow application includes a plurality of as-molded plastic unit cell structures, each cell structure having a hollow tubular body portion, a first tubular portion extending axially from a first end of the tubular body portion, and second and third opposed transverse tubular portions extending from an intermediate portion of the tubular body portion transverse to the first tubular portion. The first tubular portion of a first unit cell structure is welded to the first tubular body portion of a second unit cell structure in an axially aligned configuration.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2013Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Fit-Line, Inc.Inventor: Frank F. Hayes, Jr.
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Patent number: 9878647Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a bladder as an actuator; a pump that is operated to supply air to the bladder; a switch that is operated to operate the pump; and a switching valve that is disposed in an air supply/discharge passage for the air for the bladder, the switching valve being configured to connect the air supply/discharge passage to a discharge port of the pump when the air is supplied to the bladder, and to connect the air supply/discharge passage to an exhaust port when the air is discharged from the bladder. The switching valve is incorporated in the switch, and is configured to receive an operating force applied to the switch, and to supply and discharge the air to and from the bladder in accordance with an operation of the switch.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yosuke Uno, Masashi Yanagawa, Koji Saito, Masahiko Onuma
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Patent number: 9791152Abstract: A control valve may include a fluid inlet, a plurality of fluid outlets, and a plurality of magnets. One of the plurality of magnets controls fluid flow for each of one of the plurality of fluid outlets. One of the plurality of magnets controls fluid flow for the remaining of the plurality of magnets. When the magnet controlling fluid flow for the remaining of the plurality of magnets is energized, fluid flow is permitted to the remaining of the plurality of magnets. When the remaining of the plurality of magnets are energized, fluid flow is permitted to the respective plurality of fluid outlets.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2015Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Lincoln Brass Works, Inc.Inventors: James Dean Jones, William J. Ferlin
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Patent number: 9719599Abstract: As passages forming a main gas passage, each of the passage blocks 3 has a first inverted-V passage, a first outlet passage communicating between the apex of the first inverted-V passage and an outlet of a first on-off valve. As passages forming a vent gas passage, each of the passage blocks 3 has a second inverted-V passage and a second outlet passage communicating between the apex of the second inverted-V passage and an outlet of a second on-off valve. As passages forming a first sub-gas inflow passage, each of the passage blocks has a first inlet passage leading to an inlet of the first on-off valve and a common inlet passage. As passages forming a second sub-gas inflow passage, each of the passage blocks has a second inlet passage leading to an inlet of the second on-off valve and a communication path continued to the common inlet passage.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATEDInventors: Taichi Kitano, Tsutomu Shinohara, Tadayuki Yakushijin, Tomohiro Nakata, Tsuyoshi Tanikawa, Michio Yamaji
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Patent number: 9381529Abstract: In applications such as manufacture of shielded radio-frequency modules where costly metallic paint is sprayed to form a conductive layer, it is desirable to reduce the amount of paint being utilized, and to maintain an acceptable level of suspension of paint particles in solution. A closed recirculation system can be configured to provide such desirable features, and can include a reservoir for holding a volume of metallic paint, a spray apparatus for spraying metallic paint received from the reservoir, and a recirculator for recirculating the metallic paint that is not sprayed back to the reservoir. In some embodiments, the recirculator can include a compact peristaltic pump that allows use of shorter fluid paths in the closed recirculation system, as well as a desired level of agitation to quickly achieve the acceptable level of suspension and maintain the suspension for an extended period of time.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2013Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Inventor: Matthew Sean Read
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Patent number: 9370676Abstract: An overhaul line system includes a manifold that is attachable to, or formed integral with an attack nozzle. The manifold provides at least one quick connect coupling that allows an overhaul line to be connected to the manifold and to receive fire suppressing fluid from that manifold into a hose. The overhaul line has an elongated nozzle at its end remote from the quick connect coupling. A flow control valve is interposed between the elongated nozzle and the remote end of the overhaul line. A water treatment cartridge container can also be situated adjacent the flow control valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Inventor: Robert Stanley Coulthard, Jr.
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Patent number: 9366347Abstract: A multiport severe service ball valve comprising a main bore in fluid communication with a plurality of auxiliary bores arranged about the main bore such that a maximum spacing between a flow control element of the auxiliary bore and an outer surface of the main bore is less than two times a diameter of the main bore. Systems comprising the multiport severe service ball valve and methods of using it are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2013Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Mogas Industries, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Way Diehl, Hugh Wesley Barrett, Charles Miller Walker
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Patent number: 9268340Abstract: Flow distribution networks that supply process gas to two or more stations in a multi-station deposition chamber. Each flow distribution network includes an inlet and flow distribution lines for carrying process gas to the stations. The flow distribution lines include a branch point downstream from the inlet and two or more branches downstream from the branch point. Each branch supplies a station. The flow distribution network also includes highly variable flow elements in each branch. Restrictive components are placed downstream from the variable control elements in each branch. These restrictive components are nominally identical and designed to shift the bulk of the pressure drop away from the variable flow components to improve flow balancing while not unduly increasing inlet pressure. In some cases, the load shifting allows the more variable flow components to operate in the unchoked flow regime.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2014Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Womack, Stephen Lau
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Patent number: 9144872Abstract: A tool turret for machining workpieces has a housing and with a part that can be rotated around an axis of rotation into several rotary positions. On the rotating part, several tool holders are mounted on the circumference for holding tools to which a cryogenic cooling medium can be fed by means of a first feed line and a respective second feed line. The first feed line can be moved in a linear manner in at least some sections by linear actuator whereby the first feed line is connected in a first position with the second feed line belonging to the tool in work position and in a second position is disconnected from the second feed lines for changing the rotary position of the rotating part. The tool turret enables the cryogenic cooling medium to be fed to the tools in a simple and reliable manner.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2012Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Inventors: Moshe Israel Meidar, Wolfgang Horn, Heiner Lang, Waldemar Haus
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Patent number: 9108196Abstract: Fluid is flowed into an inlet channel of a microfluidic pathway at a flow rate, the microfluidic pathway including a first and second outlet channels fluidically connected to the inlet channel. A first cavitation bubble is created within the first outlet channel to block fluid flow out of the first outlet channel. A second cavitation bubble is created within the second outlet channel to block fluid flow out of the second outlet channel. Creation of the second cavitation bubble is initiated during or after the first cavitation bubble dissolves such that the flow rate is maintained.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Stratedigm, Inc.Inventors: Shervin Javadi, Arjuna Ragunath Karunaratne
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Patent number: 9038665Abstract: A valve system oriented for an irrigation system which is activated by a control unit is disclosed. The system comprises a solenoid switch and a manual switch, wherein an electrical wire extends from the valve to the control unit. The manual switch operates as a hand handling rotating lever; another use of manual switch is to serve as a means to force close the solenoid valve's outlet opening so as to provide a mechanism responsive to preventing automatic opening of solenoid valve controlled by control unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2013Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: YUAN-MEI CORP.Inventor: Chi-Han Cheng
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Publication number: 20150128659Abstract: A water supply valve for a wall mounted drum type washing machine may include an integrated inlet housing, first water supply valve outlet housing, and second water supply valve outlet housing. The water supply valve includes an inlet housing including an inlet into which water enters and a first passage along an inner cavity; a first water supply valve outlet housing integral with and adjacent to the inlet housing and configured to communicate with the first passage; and a second water supply valve outlet housing integral with and adjacent to the first water supply valve outlet housing and configured to communicate with the first passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2013Publication date: May 14, 2015Applicant: Dongbu Daewoo Electronics CorporationInventor: Ui Kun HWANG
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Publication number: 20150114490Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a water management system. One aspect of a version of the invention comprises a manifold with separate lines running to separate appliances and fixtures. Each individual line detects leaks, alerts that a leak has occurred, shuts down only the leaking line, and provides a visual cue to alert that the line is leaking. In one embodiment of a version of the invention, the water management system comprises a hot water heater water management system that detects leaks, sounds an alarm, shuts down the water heater power, and drains the water heater. In a preferred embodiment, once the water heater is repaired and refilled, the power is automatically restored.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: LEAKSHIELD, LLCInventor: Scott Carpenter
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Patent number: 9004093Abstract: A check valve for an aircraft galley plumbing system comprises a valve body including an inlet for a potable water supply line, and first and second outlet ports leading to a distribution manifold. In a preferred embodiment, quick disconnects that include reverse flow inhibitors seal the valve's output ports. A vertical channel extends through the valve body for draining water through the valve, which is coupled to a pressure line connection port that exerts pressure from the aircraft's pressure system. A piston reciprocating across the vertical channel and biased by a spring is in fluid communication with the pressure line connection port, such that when a water pressure is introduced from a water pressure line to the pressure line connection port of sufficient to collapse said spring, the piston blocks said channel, and when the water pressure is insufficient to collapse said spring then the piston retracts to open said channel, allowing fluid to pass thereinthrough.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventor: Peter John Leslie Burd
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Patent number: 8997771Abstract: An integrated pressure control actuator assembly of a hydrogen supply system includes: a start/stop solenoid valve, a bypass valve, and a pressure control actuator, which are integrally formed in a single body; a normal flow path formed on the body, through which hydrogen gas is transferred from the start/stop solenoid valve to the pressure control actuator; an auxiliary flow path formed on the body, through which hydrogen gas is transferred according to opening and closing of the bypass valve connected to the normal flow path; and a control means for controlling the opening and closing of the bypass valve by detecting a failure of the pressure control actuator. The assembly enables the fuel cell vehicle to be driven in a limp home mode in the event of an emergency by adjustment of the pressure of hydrogen.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Hyun Joon Lee, Yong Gyu Noh
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Patent number: 8997790Abstract: A touch switch outlet mechanism has a fixation unit and a switch unit. The fixation unit includes an inlet waterway connected to the water source, a water diversion cavity connected to the inlet waterway, N number of water diversion holes connected to the water diversion cavity and several outlet functions with same number as the water diversion holes and one to one corresponding to the water diversion holes, N is equal to or more than 2; The switch unit includes N?1 number of sealing balls and N touch buttons, the N touch buttons are separately disposed with a touch end inside the water diversion cavity and a controlled end controlled by the user, the touch ends of the N touch buttons corresponding to N water diversion holes and sliding connected to the fixation unit, the N?1 sealing balls can close N?1 of the N water diversion holes.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2011Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignees: Xiamen Solex High-Tech Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Huasong Zhou, Libin Shen, Jianmin Chen, Bin Cao
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Patent number: 8991431Abstract: A magnetic control multi-way valve has a fixed unit, at least two control valves and a second magnet. The fixed unit is provided with a inlet and at least two independent mounting cavities, an outlet is formed at the lower port of the mounting cavity; two control valves are mounted in the mounting cavities respectively; and the control valve comprises a spool assembly, a first magnet, a sealing gasket, a first spring and a second spring. The spool assembly is fixedly arranged in the mounting cavity with a pressure relief way; the first magnet which is connected in the mounting cavity in an up and down sliding manner and is above the spool assembly; the sealing gasket is connected in the mounting cavity in a vertical sliding manner and is below the spool assembly; the second magnet is connected out of the fixed unit in a horizontal sliding manner.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignees: Xiamen Solex High-Tech Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Huasong Zhou, Haisong Peng, Jianmin Chen, Bin Chen
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Patent number: 8991432Abstract: A touch switch shower includes a shower body and a switch control device. The shower body is disposed with a root waterway, several diversion waterways and an outlet cover unit, each diversion waterway is disposed with an electromagnetic valve to control the on-off thereof. The front side of the outlet cover unit is divided into several touch areas with the same number of electromagnetic valves. The switch control device is disposed at least a processing unit, several touch modules with same number with the electromagnetic valves and a power device connected to the processing unit, the touch layer of the touch module is separately disposed in the corresponding touch area of the outlet cover unit, the processing unit is connected to the touch module in signal way, the processing unit is connected to the electromagnetic valve in signal way. The touch layer is separately disposed in the touch area.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignees: Xiamen Solex High-Tech Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Huasong Zhou, Guoqiang Lu, Xiaozhao Sun, Xianguo Zou
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Patent number: 8950429Abstract: Construction of a valve-member monitoring system using wireless communication is facilitated. The valve-member monitoring system is structured with operating-condition sensors each attached to each of multiple steam traps installed on a manifold. The manifold serves as a discharged condensate collecting pipe in which condensate is discharged through the multiple steam traps. The valve-member monitoring system further includes a sensor controlling terminal device that is attached to the manifold or in the vicinity of the manifold and exchanges information by radio with a central control apparatus. In the valve-member monitoring system, the terminal device is connected to the operating-condition sensors each attached to each of the steam traps installed on the manifold with lead lines.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2010Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tadashi Oike, Mamoru Nagase