Sectional Block Structure Patents (Class 137/884)
  • Patent number: 6659131
    Abstract: A system and method for integrating gas components that combines together, either in an in-line or modular fashion, at least two gas components used in a gas stick for flowing a gas from a first point to an end point. In one embodiment, the present invention can be used to combine a pressure transducer, a filter, and a display into a single unit that will reduce the gas stick size along the gas flow axis of the gas stick. The gas components can be integrated using VCR connections for an in-line use of the present invention. In the modular form, the present invention can use a number of different connections to connect the gas components vertically on a modular base block (i.e., stacked approximately perpendicular to the modular base block). Thus, the gas components will stack vertically with respect to the traditional horizontal gas flow path axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Mykrolis Corporation
    Inventor: Christ A. Tsourides
  • Patent number: 6651692
    Abstract: A modular oxygen supply system is provided comprising at least one module skeleton with a baseplate with frames arranged in parallel to one another. The system includes supply lines for ambient air with air connections for taking off the air, first gas lines for oxygen with first gas connections for taking up the oxygen and second gas lines for outgoing air with second gas connections for taking up outgoing air. Rack guides with data lines are provided. At least one individual module can be pushed into the module skeleton. Each individual module has at least one molecular sieve container fastened on a baseplate with the gas connections and with an electric contact. Each individual module has a gas treatment unit for the ambient air fed in. A pressure reducer and a multiple-way valve as well as an oxygen reservoir are arranged downstream of the molecular sieve container or containers connected in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Dräger Aerospace GmbH
    Inventors: Rüdiger Meckes, Herbert Meier, Wolfgang Rittner
  • Patent number: 6648020
    Abstract: A fluid control apparatus comprises lines A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, B2, B3 each removably attached to a substrate 1 by a plurality of brackets 8, 9, 18, 19, 20, and channel communication means 47, 48 which are removable upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Hideki Fujimoto, Noboru Uzawa, Naoyuki Sato, Michio Yamaji, Shigeaki Tanaka, Yuji Kawano, Yasuyuki Omata, Masakazu Fukui
  • Patent number: 6648021
    Abstract: A modular gas control device for use with a compressed gas cylinder (111) comprises a primary module (152) and a secondary module (252) mounted on the primary module. The primary module comprises a first supporting body (154) having a first main gas flow path (155) through the body. The supporting body has input connecting means (156) for mounting the body on the cylinder (111) and connecting the gas flow path (155) to communicate with the gas cylinder through a first flow path (157). Pressure reducing means (166) provides gas in the flow path at a lower pressure than in the container. Output connecting means (170) downstream of the pressure reducing means provides a low pressure outlet from the main gas flow path. A high pressure shut-off valve (164) is positioned upstream of the pressure reducing means, and filling means (161, 160) allows filling of the cylinder with compressed gas through the input connecting means (156) along a second flow path (159) separate from the input flow path (157).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Dao-Hong Zheng, John Irven, Mark Allen George
  • Patent number: 6648014
    Abstract: A hydraulic control valve has a valve block provided with a plurality of ports, a valve body formed with ports corresponding to the ports of the valve block, and a plate disposed between the valve block and the valve body. The plate has a flow passage for providing communication between the ports of the valve block and the ports of the valve body. A filter is disposed in the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Tamami Takahashi, Yoshihiro Mochizuki
  • Publication number: 20030209277
    Abstract: A modular manifold system is provided for interconnecting fluid components of a fluid system in a reduced area. The system is comprised of a one or more bridge fittings having an internal fluid passageway which has an inlet end in fluid communication with an outlet port of a first fluid component, and an outlet end in fluid communication with an inlet port of a second fluid component. The bridge fittings may additionally comprise two or more ports, which one of said ports may be in fluid communication with a manifold on another substrate level. The bridge fittings may be mounted within a channel of a backing plate for structural support or in channel blocks of varying sizes. An optional locator plate may be utilized which is mounted over the ends of the bridge fittings in order to align the inlet and outlet ports of the fluid components with the inlet and outlet ends of the bridge fittings. The bridge fittings may also be mounted to the locator plate in multiple directions forming multiple flow paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Douglas Nordstrom, James McCoy
  • Patent number: 6644353
    Abstract: A modular manifold system is provided for interconnecting fluid components of a fluid system in a reduced area. The system is comprised of a one or more bridge fittings having an internal fluid passageway which has an inlet end in fluid communication with an outlet port of a first fluid component, and an outlet end in fluid communication with an inlet port of a second fluid component. The bridge fittings may be mounted within a channel of a backing plate for structural support. An optional locator plate may be utilized which is mounted over the ends of the bridge fittings in order to align the inlet and outlet ports of the fluid components with the inlet and outlet ends of the bridge fittings. The bridge fittings may also be mounted to the locator plate in multiple directions forming multiple flow paths. Additionally, the bridge fittings may be stacked to form multiple layers where bridge fittings of one layer may be in fluid communication with bridge fittings of another layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventor: Paul E. Eidsmore
  • Patent number: 6640835
    Abstract: A MicroMount™ System for providing reliable, self-aligning connections to external fluid-handling or fluid-sensing components is disclosed. One embodiment comprises a generally miniaturized rectilinear body (102) that includes a plurality of exterior side walls (103). The upper wall (104) has a port (108) which is configured to connect to an external component. The end of the same port (108) which extends to the lower wall (105) is connected to an external passageway (107). The rectilinear body (102) does not require holes or fasteners that fit into holes, since it employs a number of posts (110) that project from the body (102) to secure the body (102) to an external component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Creative Pathways, Inc.
    Inventors: Roderick G. Rohrberg, Timothy K. Rohrberg
  • Patent number: 6637247
    Abstract: The invention includes an air manifold comprising at least one port adapted for receiving high pressure air from a compressor, at least one port adapted for receiving low pressure air from a compressor, at least one port adapted for bleeding high pressure air from a container, at least one port adapted for reusing high pressure bleed air. The port for reusing high pressure air receiving high pressure air from the port adapted for bleeding high pressure air. The air manifold also includes at least one port adapted for bleeding low pressure air from a container and at least one port adapted for reusing low pressure bleed air. The port for reusing low pressure air receiving low pressure air from the port adapted for bleeding low pressure air. The present invention also includes an air distribution system and a necking machine which include the manifold as well as a method of necking a can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey R. Bowlin
  • Patent number: 6634385
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for conveying at least one fluid, comprising at least a first fluidic element (10) and a second fluidic element (30) connected to each other for conveying said fluid, and a base plate (24) to which said first fluidic element (10) and said second fluidic element (30) are mounted. In accordance with the invention said base plate (24) comprises at least a first outlet (46) for feeding a leak test agent to the connection area of said first fluidic element (10) and said second fluidic element (30). The invention further relates to a base plate (24) for mounting at least a first fluidic element (10) and a second fluidic element (30) connectable to each other for conveying a fluid. In accordance with the invention said base plate (24) comprises at least a first outlet (46) for feeding a leak test agent to an connection area of said first fluidic element (10) and said second fluidic element (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Symington
  • Publication number: 20030192608
    Abstract: A process gas line (255) for carrying WF6 gas for nucleation, a process gas line (257) for carrying WF6 gas for film deposition after nucleation are joined at a single joint (280) to a carrier gas line (256). A gas line (271) is connected to the joint (280) to carry a mixed gas of the carrier gas and WF6 gas to a processing chamber defined by a processing vessel. Sections of the carrier gas line (256) and the gas line (271) extending on the opposite sides of the joint (280) extend along a straight line, and the process gas lines (255, 257) are perpendicular to the gas line (271).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Hayashi Otsuki, Yutaka Miura
  • Publication number: 20030192607
    Abstract: A manifold mounting system for electrically operated pneumatic control valves includes a push-on snap lock latching arrangement that is responsive to simple straight line connecting movement of the valve to the manifold. The system completely eliminates the need for end plates, screws, O-rings, gaskets and the like, and the simultaneous accommodation of a plug-in electrical connection also eliminates wiring connections. Manual push button release provides equally simple disconnection of the valve from the manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Richard Wigmore
  • Patent number: 6631736
    Abstract: A device is used to meter a gaseous medium, in particular air, by means of a plurality of metering valves, into a plurality of components of a fuel cell system used in a motor vehicle. All of the metering valves are arranged on a central middle block. The central middle block has at least one inlet opening for the gaseous medium, which is connected, via at least one passage, to in each case one connection point for each of the metering valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems AG
    Inventors: Joachim Seitz, Jochen Sang
  • Patent number: 6629546
    Abstract: A modular manifold system is provided for interconnecting fluid components of a fluid system in a reduced area. The system is comprised of a one or more bridge fittings having an internal fluid passageway which has an inlet end in fluid communication with an outlet port of a first fluid component, and an outlet end in fluid communication with an inlet port of a second fluid component. The bridge fittings may additionally comprise two or more ports, which one of said ports may be in fluid communication with a manifold on another substrate level. The bridge fittings may be mounted within a channel of a backing plate for structural support or in channel blocks of varying sizes. An optional locator plate may be utilized which is mounted over the ends of the bridge fittings in order to align the inlet and outlet ports of the fluid components with the inlet and outlet ends of the bridge fittings. The bridge fittings may also be mounted to the locator plate in multiple directions forming multiple flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Paul G. Eidsmore, Michael J. Mohlenkamp, Benjamin J. Olechnowicz, Christine M. Schilt Deines, Douglas Nordstrom, James McCoy
  • Patent number: 6626206
    Abstract: A feedblock for supplying a multi-layer stream of polymeric material to an extrusion die is provided wherein the dimension of at least some of the layers of the multi-layer stream can be precisely adjusted and/or controlled. The feedblock includes a primary flow path which is used to create a first layer and two secondary flow paths which are used to create a set of second and third layers. The secondary flow paths are positioned relative to the primary flow path such that the second and third layers are deposited on opposing sides of the primary layer in a sandwich-like configuration. Each of the secondary flow paths include a contoured slot through which a secondary fluid stream of polymeric material is deposited onto a primary stream of polymeric fluid flowing in the primary flow path. The contoured slot is geometrically shaped such that adjusting the position of the contoured slot alters the shape of the secondary fluid stream as it is deposited onto the primary flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Extrusion Dies, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Ulcei, Dale P. Pitsch
  • Patent number: 6619142
    Abstract: A circuit board, which includes one or more sensors, is integrated in a fluid control device, such as a valve manifold and a base plate. The fluid control device selectively directs a fluid used to control pneumatic or hydraulic equipment. The sensors are used to measure physical characteristics of the fluid, such as flow rate, pressure, and temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Förster, Frank J. Langro, Frank Latino, Josef Binder, Wolfgang Benecke, Thomas Stärz, Oliver Ahrens
  • Patent number: 6615871
    Abstract: An on-off device disposed at each of the inlet and the outlet of a fluid controller is one of five kinds of on-off devices, i.e., on-off device having a two-port valve, on-off device having a two-port valve and a three-port valve, on-off device having a two-port valve and two three-port valves, on-off device having two three-port valves, and on-off device having three three-port valves, The main bodies of two-port valves of all types of on-off devices are identical in configuration and each have an inlet and an outlet in a bottom face thereof. Main bodies of three-port valves of all types of on-off devices are identical in configuration and each formed in a bottom face thereof with an inlet, an outlet always in communication with the inlet, and an inlet-outlet subopening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignees: Tadahiro Ohmi, Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Hiroshi Morokoshi, Michio Yamaji, Shigeaki Tanaka, Keiji Hirao, Yuji Kawano, Takashi Hirose, Kosuke Yokoyama, Michio Kuramochi, Masayuki Hatano, Nobukazu Ikeda
  • Patent number: 6615870
    Abstract: A system and method for integrating gas components that combines together, either in an in-line or modular fashion, at least two gas components used in a gas stick for flowing a gas from a first point to an end point. In one embodiment, the present invention can be used to combine a pressure transducer, a filter, and a display into a single unit that will reduce the gas stick size along the gas flow axis of the gas stick. The gas components can be integrated using VCR connections for an in-line use of the present invention. In the modular form, the present invention can use a number of different connections to connect the gas components vertically on a modular base block (i.e., stacked approximately perpendicular to the modular base block). Thus, the gas components will stack vertically with respect to the traditional horizontal gas flow path axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Mykrolis Corporation
    Inventor: Christ A. Tsourides
  • Patent number: 6615867
    Abstract: A spacer type pressure reducing valve for adjusting a fluid pressure is mounted between a solenoid valve, which switches a flowing direction of pressurized fluid, and a base, which supplies pressurized fluid to the solenoid valve. First and second pressure-reducing portions are integrally accommodated in a valve body of the spacer type pressure reducing valve. The spacer type pressure reducing valve is compact and is capable of adjusting pressure in two output ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Masamichi Tajima, Hiroyuki Katsuta
  • Patent number: 6612153
    Abstract: A planar manifold that integrates all the control pneumatics, electronic pressure controls (EPC), and injector inlet onto a single plate, therefore eliminating numerous seals, fittings and transfer tubing between these devices. The planar manifold utilizes plates of specific geometry that minimizes heat transfer between the heated components and the unheated components in the planar manifold, while maintains the mechanical rigidity to support the attached components during shock and vibration. The planar manifold not only improves the reliability and manufacturability of micro gas chromatographs, but also lowers the cost of production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard P. White, Alan D. Loux
  • Patent number: 6612332
    Abstract: To provide a solenoid valve having a sensor in which monitor devices for monitoring whether input or output pressure in the solenoid valve is appropriate and a switching state of a valve body are collected to simplify the structure and to facilitate the assembling operation, thereby enhancing safety and reliability. A solenoid valve having a sensor comprises a solenoid valve 1, a base 2 for supplying and discharging pressurized fluid to and from ports P, A, B, EA and EB of the solenoid valve 1, and an intermediate block 3 disposed between the solenoid valve 1 and the base 2. The intermediate block 3 is provided with communication passages 53, 54A, 54B, 55A and 55B for respectively bringing the ports of the solenoid valve and flow paths of the base into communication with each other. A conduit 56 crossing the communication passages is provided in the intermediate block 3. A pressure introducing port 58 opening at the communication passage 53 whose pressure is to be detected is formed in the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Miyazoe, Makoto Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6612202
    Abstract: A mechatronics control module (14) includes an electronic control unit (16) having a flex foil circuit (34) with a multiple of mounted electronic components including sensors (24) which sense the hydraulic state of the transmission clutch or other frictional engagement elements within the transmission system (10.) Multiple mounting arrangements are provided which increase the mounting area to provide for the mounting of the mechatronics control module (14) within the transmission case (12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Thorum, Helmut Gander, Andreas Rekofsky
  • Patent number: 6612333
    Abstract: By causing an end portion of a spool to extend outside from a valve hole, mounting a magnet to the extending portion, disposing a detecting block between a casing and an end block to surround the magnet, and mounting a magnetometric sensor to the detecting block, necessity for processing for mounting the electromagnetic sensor to the casing is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Miyazoe, Makoto Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20030155025
    Abstract: A pneumatic valve group (10) with eased installation and maintenance, comprising in a single body (12) at least one through-duct (16) for supplying compressed air and at least one discharge duct (17) both connected to at least two further through-ducts (14), with a circular section and arranged transversally to such a through-duct (16) for supplying compressed air and at least one discharge duct (17); in at least one of these further ducts (14) spools (22) and relative ferrules or cartridges (18) are inserted, wherein the spools are able to be displaced axially to realise a desired valve function connected to the outside of the body (12) by means of usable passages (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Giovanni Camozzi
  • Publication number: 20030155022
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve with a bobbin/valve body, a solenoid and a plunger. The bobbin/valve body is formed in one piece, and defines all of the valve's inlet/outlet ports and forms the entire support structure for the solenoid and the plunger. The valve may be connected to a manifold by press-fitting port nipples of the valve into corresponding channels in the manifold. The manifold is formed of a resilient, elastomeric material, and the port nipples include radial projecting barbs, which enable the valve to be fluidly-connected to the manifold without additional O-ring seals or other mechanical sealing devices. Fittings with barbs can likewise be press-fit in other channels of the manifold to connect the valve assembly with fluid lines or other components in the fluid system. The fittings can also be provided unitary with the manifold, and/or adhesively attached to the manifold and/or to the fluid lines and other components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Andreas A. Weiss, David P. Cross, Andrew J. Farkas, Robert F. Irwin
  • Publication number: 20030145895
    Abstract: An modular manifold system is provided for interconnecting fluid components of a fluid system in a reduced area. The system is comprised of a one or more bridge fittings having an internal fluid passageway which has an inlet end in fluid communication with an outlet port of a first fluid component, and an outlet end in fluid communication with an inlet port of a second fluid component. The bridge fittings may be mounted within a channel of a backing plate for structural support. An optional locator plate may be utilized which is mounted over the ends of the bridge fittings in order to align the inlet and outlet ports of the fluid components with the inlet and outlet ends of the bridge fittings. The bridge fittings may also be mounted to the locator plate in multiple directions forming multiple flow paths. Additionally, the bridge fittings may be stacked to form multiple layers where bridge fittings of one layer may be in fluid communication with bridge fittings of another layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventor: Paul E. Eidsmore
  • Patent number: 6601741
    Abstract: A hot melt adhesive material flow control system comprises an input manifold for receiving a supply of adhesive material, a plurality of flow control valves from which the adhesive material is discharged, an output manifold for heating the adhesive material and conducting the hot melt adhesive material to the flow control valves, a pair of multiple outlet pumps for supplying the adhesive material to the flow control valves, and a recirculation pump for recirculating adhesive material back from the flow control valves to the pair of multiple outlet pumps. A distribution plate and a recirculation plate are interposed between the input and output manifolds and have separate and independent fluid circuits or flow paths defined upon opposite surfaces thereof. In this manner, the number of plates required to define the flow paths is significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Grant McGuffey
  • Patent number: 6601606
    Abstract: A gas chromatograph with multiple valves is disclosed. An embodiment of the multi-valve gas chromatograph includes multiple valves, multiple thermal conductivity detectors (TCD's), and a manifold. This allows separation and measurement of a gas sample in one compact integrated unit. The unit is particularly desirable because the solenoids associated with the valves are attached directly to the underneath of the manifold, thus eliminating the need for tubing between the solenoids and the valves. Other features may also be present. For example, a leak free multi-valve block may include a first temperature zone heating the valves and detectors and a second temperature zone heating the columns. The leak free feature may be achieved by placement of tightening screws through the center of each valve. Carrier gas insertion areas may be provided in the multi-valve block to improve performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Daniel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Yang Xu, Teresa Lechner-Fish
  • Publication number: 20030136452
    Abstract: A manifold body allows a pressure-control knob to be disposed facing in a selected direction. The manifold body is divided into a manifold block and a regulator block. The manifold block is provided with a pressure gauge, an inport, and an outport. The regulator block is provided with a pressure-control knob and a regulator. The manifold block and the regulator block have respective fitting portions that are at an angle of 45 degrees to a mounting surface as seen in the side view. Each fitting portion is symmetric with respect to a center axis, so that the regulator block can be joined to the manifold block at either of two different angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Masayuki Okitsu
  • Patent number: 6591865
    Abstract: To make it easy to mount magnets for monitoring a switched state of a valve element in a solenoid valve and to easily mount magnetometric sensors for sensing an approach of the magnet in a state of excellent water resistance and dustproof property. In a solenoid valve for switching a direction of a flow of pressure fluid by driving the solenoid valve by pilot fluid pressure, ring-shaped magnets 13A and 13B are fitted with small-diameter portions 11a formed at end portions of a valve element 11 and is fixed by press fitting and engaging caps 14A and 14B forming faces to be in contact with pistons 14A and 14B at the valve element ends. A housing chamber 30 is formed outside a valve hole 10a in a valve body 10 and in a position close to the magnets, magnetometric sensors 31A and 31B are housed in the housing chamber 30, and a cover 35 is mounted to the housing chamber 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Keiji Misumi
  • Publication number: 20030127143
    Abstract: A compact orifice and an orifice clogging preventing mechanism respectively integrated with a hydraulic control unit in the orifice of a fluid passage of the hydraulic control unit formed by inserting plate between two parts and the orifice clogging preventing mechanism. One groove type fluid passage formed in the first part is in communicate with a groove type fluid passage formed in the second part via a group of small holes formed in a plate. The groove type fluid passage in the second part is in communicate with a separate groove type fluid passage in the first part from the groove type fluid passage in the first part via an orifice formed on the plate and the diameter of each small hole in the group of small holes is set to a smaller value than that of the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Hori, Yoshihiro Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20030116207
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for conveying at least one fluid, comprising at least a first fluidic element (10) and a second fluidic element (30) connected to each other for conveying said fluid, and a base plate (24) to which said first fluidic element (10) and said second fluidic element (30) are mounted. In accordance with the invention said base plate (24) comprises at least a first outlet (46) for feeding a leak test agent to the connection area of said first fluidic element (10) and said second fluidic element (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Ian Symington
  • Publication number: 20030116208
    Abstract: A block for a modular fluid block assembly is disclosed. The block includes first and second opposed faces and first and second apertures from the first face to the second face for receiving a fastener. Each aperture includes a first end and a second end and a head receiving cavity disposed adjacent the first end. The block further includes a fluidic passage passing from the first face to the second face and a pair of fastener receiver cavities in the first face. The block further includes a pair of head receiving cavities in the second face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Mark L. Eriksson, Jeffry R. Markulec, Dennis G. Rex
  • Publication number: 20030111123
    Abstract: A valve arrangement, which possesses a plurality of valve units mounted on each other in sequence in an array direction (3) on each other. For this purpose each valve unit (2) possesses, on opposite sides, a first mounting face (5) and a second mounting face (6). In the interior of each valve unit (2) there extends, in a direction athwart the array direction (3), at least one internal flow duct (32a and 32b). On its longitudinal side, facing the first mounting face (5), same is delimited by a lateral duct wall (36a and 36b) of the respective valve unit (2). On the opposite longitudinal side it is at least partially open, the open length section (37a and 37b) being covered by the mounted neighboring valve unit. Accordingly compact width dimensions are possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Manfred Rudle
  • Publication number: 20030106597
    Abstract: A gas supply unit includes a base member, two or more fluid control devices, and a plurality of passage blocks attached to an upper surface of the base member and lower surfaces of the fluid control devices to connect the fluid control devices in fluid communication. One of the passage blocks is provided with an inlet port and an outlet port, a filter cavity sealingly formed between the inlet port and the outlet port, and a filter built-in the filter cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: CKD Corporation
    Inventors: Masaki Ichikawa, Satoru Isayama, Shigenobu Nishida, Toshikazu Miwa
  • Publication number: 20030102040
    Abstract: A manifold connected to a solenoid-operated valve which has a connector having a plurality of fluid passages for supplying and discharging a fluid under pressure to and from the solenoid-operated valve, includes a body having a substantially rectangular shape, an engaging groove defined in an upper surface of the body, a mount hole defined in the body, and a stopper member. The stopper member is inserted in the mount hole, and has an end retained in the mount hole. The stopper member has an extensible resilient spring arm and an engaging hole defined in the stopper member for receiving and engaging the connector of the solenoid-operated valve when the stopper member is displaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Masami Yoshida, Noriya Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20030098079
    Abstract: A manifold assembly comprising a manifold block. The manifold block is preferably fabricated from an elastomeric material, such as a polymer material or a rubber material. The manifold block defines a generally planar top surface and a bottom surface. Formed within the manifold block are a plurality of flow apertures which extend between the top and bottom surfaces, and from the top surface to an interior location of the manifold block. Also formed within the too surface of the manifold block are a plurality of flow channels. The flow channels are arranged in a pattern wherein each of at least some of the flow channels place at least two of the flow apertures into fluid communication with each other. Cooperatively engaged to the manifold block is at least one solenoid which is operative to facilitate the selective placement of at least two of the flow apertures into fluid communication with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Adrian D. de Silva, Samuel A. Glukhov
  • Patent number: 6568915
    Abstract: The number of seal members relating to a gas flow control valve can be reduced. A displacement control valve 25 is attached to a fixed coupling surface 193 on the outer wall surface of a rear housing 19. A gasket 45 is interposed between end surfaces 362 and 414 of the displacement control valve 25 side and a coupling surface 193. A sealing elastic layer 452 of the gasket 45 is in close contact with the end surfaces 362 and 414, and a sealing elastic layer 453 is in close contact with the coupling surface 193. A pressure supply passage 30 and a gas passage 413 are communicated with each other via a communication port 454 on the gasket 45. A pressure supply passage 31 is communicated with an insertion recess 33 that is communicated with a valve port 431.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Naoya Yokomachi, Tatsuya Koide, Toshiro Fujii
  • Patent number: 6564872
    Abstract: Modern subsea wells utilise an electrohydraulic control system which switches hydraulic power to various control components in dependence on received control signals. The mounting and interconnection of the control components tends to be complicated. The invention provides a manifold comprising a first manifold body 6 having a number of openings and flow passageways therethrough. The manifold body is selectively configurable by selecting predetermined openings in order to achieve a desired configuration of flow passageways between control devices 1, 2, 13, 4. The manifold simplifies the interconnection of the hydraulic components and provides greater flexibility in the location of the components. The manifold body also provides a platform for mounting the control devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Offshore Systems Limited
    Inventors: Peter John Davey, David John Luckhurst
  • Publication number: 20030079786
    Abstract: A fluid pressure regulator assembly includes a body having a first passageway extending from a first port to a second port, and a second passageway extending from a third port to a fourth port. A pressure regulator is coupled between the second and third ports for controlling the pressure of fluid flowing from the second port to the third port. The regulator assembly further includes a bypass valve and the body includes a housing for the bypass valve. A third passageway extends from the first passageway to the housing, and a fourth passageway extends from the housing to the second passageway. The bypass valve controls flow from the first passageway through the third passageway and the fourth passageway to the second passageway in response to a bypass control signal coupled to the bypass valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Michael J. Diana, David L. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 6554020
    Abstract: A pair of tape heaters 11 are arranged respectively on opposite sides of at least one line and held to the corresponding coupling members by a plurality of clips 12. Each of the clips 12 comprises a pair of side walls 13 opposed to each other as spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and a connecting wall 14 interconnecting the pair of side walls 13 at an intermediate portion of the height thereof so as to move lower portions of the side walls 13 away from each other when upper portions of the side walls 13 are subjected to a force acting to move the upper portions toward each other and to restore the side walls 13 to the original state when the force is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Michio Yamaji, Tsutomu Shinohara, Ichiro Mine, Izuru Shikata, Kenji Tsubota
  • Patent number: 6550368
    Abstract: A fluid power interlock system and method for providing same including a circuit having a first valve shiftable between a first and second state having an input and a pair of selectively operable first outputs. One of the first outputs is operatively connectable to a first actuator and the other of the first outputs is operatively connected to a second valve shiftable between a first and second state. The second valve has a pair of selectively operable outputs, one of the second valve outputs is operatively connectable to a second actuator, and the other of the second valve outputs is operatively connected to the first valve and provides a pilot signal thereto for permitting the first valve to shift from a first state to a second state. Shifting state of either of the first and second valves interrupts the pilot signal thereby preventing the non actuated valve from being actuated and shifting state. The system may also include a manifold, wherein the first and second valves are secured to the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Festo Corporation
    Inventors: Gerard Leeman, Frank J. Langro
  • Patent number: 6546961
    Abstract: An integrated gas control device has an elongated base having a pair of ribs longitudinally extending on the base to form a groove there-between. A plurality of passage blocks are mounted in the groove. Each of the passage blocks has a gas passage having openings opened at an upper surface at both ends of the block. A plurality of gas control equipments are mounted on adjacent passage blocks. Each of the gas control equipments is installed on the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Kitz SCT Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshitomo Fukushima
  • Patent number: 6546959
    Abstract: A valve includes a bobbin/valve body, a solenoid and a plunger. The bobbin/valve body is formed in one piece, defines all of the valve's inlet/outlet ports and forms the entire support structure for the solenoid and the plunger. To assemble the valve, a plunger body is inserted into the bobbin/valve body through an end opening into a longitudinal bore and a spring positioned to bias the plunger body to a normally closed position. A pole piece is then inserted through the end opening into the longitudinal bore and attached to the bobbin/valve body. A solenoid coil is wound around a central cylindrical section of the bobbin/valve body, and terminal pins and a flux conductor are attached to the bobbin/valve body. The attachment of the pole piece, the terminal pins, and/or the flux conductor may be accomplished by press-fit and/or swage coupling techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corp.
    Inventors: David P. Cross, Andreas A. Weiss, Andrew Farkas, Robert Irwin
  • Patent number: 6546960
    Abstract: A Self-Aligning SmartStrate™ for providing reliable, self-aligning connections to external fluid-handling or fluid-sensing components is disclosed. One embodiment comprises a generally rectilinear body (102) that includes a plurality of exterior side walls (103). One of the exterior side walls (103) has a weld extension (106B) which may be welded to an external tube. The upper wall (104) has a port (108) which is configured to connect to an external component. The rectilinear body (102) has at least one internal passageway (107) which runs from the weld extension (106B) to the port (108). The rectilinear body (102) does not require holes or fasteners that fit into holes, since it employs a number of posts (110) that project from the body (102) to secure the body (102) to an external component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Creative Pathways, Inc.
    Inventors: Roderick G. Rohrberg, Timothy K. Rohrberg, Jon W. Vollmer
  • Publication number: 20030066565
    Abstract: A fuel-control manifold has a non-integral body with at least three pieces joined together. The fuel-control manifold has a tank port, an engine supply port, a fueling port, and a shutoff valve, all in the upper body segment. The shutoff valve includes a controllable shutoff valve closure having a shutoff-valve first side in fluid flow communication with the tank port and a shutoff-valve second side in fluid flow communication with the engine supply port and with the fueling port. There are a defueling port in a lower body segment, a vent port in the upper body segment, and a defuel/vent valve in a middle body segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventor: Thao Hoang
  • Patent number: 6543483
    Abstract: A fluid handling port array includes at least one fluid conduction bore, a plurality of insert bores each intersecting at least one fluid conduction bore and being adapted to receive a configuration insert, a plurality of port bores each intersecting at least one of the fluid conduction bores for providing fluid access to the fluid conduction bores. The port array is configured by fixing configuration inserts in the insert bores. In a particular embodiment, the configuration inserts comprise device seats and are adapted to receive configuration devices such as a valves, caps or plugs. Alternatively, the configuration inserts, themselves, embody configuration devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Chemand Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth Alan Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030062092
    Abstract: First to sixth annular projections and first to sixth annular recesses, which have shapes corresponding to shapes of first to sixth conventional seal members, are formed respectively at portions at which various types of blocks and first and second intermediate plates are joined, by performing resin molding with molds. Ultrasonic welding is performed while the first to sixth annular projections face the first to sixth annular recesses, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigekazu Nagai, Hiroshi Matsushima
  • Publication number: 20030062091
    Abstract: An isolating insert for, in a block of modules for distributing a pneumatic fluid, forming two adjacent block sections, comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: PARKER HANNIFIN RAK SA
    Inventors: Serge Rondreux, Gregory Lucas, Patrick Magnin
  • Patent number: 6539972
    Abstract: An arrangement of pipelines of a high-pressure distribution network for liquid operating media, such as lubricants, coolants, and hydraulic pressure media for control members or drives, for a roll stand having a roll housing. The pipelines are supply pipelines, discharge pipelines, and distribution pipelines, wherein the roll stand has several consumers connected to the high-pressure distribution network for the liquid operating media. The supply lines and the discharge lines are combined to form modules of groups of pipelines mountable on the roll stand. The nominal pressure of the operating media is standardized within the pipelines of the high-pressure distribution network to a value of approximately 290 bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: SMS Schloemann-Siemag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Frank Benner, Harald Rackel, Friedhelm Reimann, Heinz Hopfenziz, Helmut Stötzel, Heinz Trudewind, Walter Nietsch