Sectional Block Structure Patents (Class 137/884)
  • Patent number: 8479773
    Abstract: A hydraulic unit comprises a solenoid valve group with at least two solenoid valves having each a valve cartridge and a solenoid subassembly arranged around the valve cartridge. According to the invention, a positioning unit is arranged between at least two adjacent solenoid valves and applies a force to at least two adjacent solenoid valves in such a way that the corresponding solenoid subassembly of the solenoid valve takes a defined radial position relative to the corresponding valve cartridge of the solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Dietmar Kratzer
  • Patent number: 8479954
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system is disclosed, typical of prior art beverage dispensing systems, in that it is designed to dispense fluids, such as syrup and/or soda and water, from a bar gun. The bar gun is connected by a multiplicity of lines to a manifold and flow control assembly. The manifold and flow control assembly, in turn, receives a number of different fluids, typically syrup, water and soda, under pressure from a number of different pressurized containers. Applicants' novel system includes schematics, typically in the form of adhesive labels, applied to the dispensing system, typically on the manifold and flow control assembly, which schematics illustrate the button arrangement on the handle, and the inlet port layout on the handle, and relate the same, using words, symbols or a combination, to indicia identified ports on the manifold and flow control assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Schroeder Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: A. A. Jud Schroeder, Dave Santy, Deborah Absalon
  • Publication number: 20130160865
    Abstract: An expandable chemical delivery system sharing a common bulk fluid inlet and bulk fluid flow path to direct a bulk fluid through one or more selected chemical eductors. Each chemical eductor is slidably insertable into an eductor port on the manifold body such that rotation of the chemical eductor is not required for installation. After installation, the orientation of the chemical eductor can be rotatably adjusted so as to avoid interference with adjacent chemical eductors. Delivery of a bulk fluid to each chemical eductor is controlled via a corresponding valve assembly that selectively allows or blocks flow of the bulk fluid from the bulk fluid flow path to the corresponding chemical eductor. The manifold body can include a plurality of individual manifold bodies approximated with a coupling system to define the bulk fluid flow path. Alternatively, the manifold body can comprise a single fabricated body for high pressure operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: HYDRA-FLEX INC.
    Inventor: HYDRA-FLEX INC.
  • Patent number: 8469059
    Abstract: A fluid divider valve includes a housing defining a longitudinal bore having a fluid inlet. The housing defines a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with the longitudinal bore. A valve shaft is sealingly engaged within the longitudinal bore of the housing. The valve shaft has an internal longitudinal flow passage in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the housing. The valve shaft has a plurality of radial fluid ports formed therein which extend from the internal longitudinal flow passage to an exterior portion of the valve shaft. The valve shaft is mounted for movement relative to the housing between a first position in which the valve shaft permits fluid communication between the fluid inlet and each of the outlets simultaneously through the radial fluid ports of the valve shaft, and a second position in which the valve shaft prevents fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Delavan Inc.
    Inventor: Michael John Forst
  • Patent number: 8464754
    Abstract: A valve is provided including a first valve member and a second valve member. The first valve member includes a first step and a first orifice adjacent the first step. The second valve member includes a second step and a second orifice adjacent the second step. The second valve member is movable relative to the first valve member between an open position, in which the first orifice is fluidly connected the second orifice, and a closed position, in which the first orifice is substantially fluidly disconnected from the second orifice. The first and second steps are fluidly connected to the second orifice and substantially fluidly disconnected from the first orifice when the second valve member is in the closed position, and the first and second steps are fluidly connected to the first and second orifices when the second valve member is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Dale A. Stretch, Jeffrey C. Thompson, Mahesh Joshi, Shrikant Basurtekar, Jerry L. Carlson, Aaron H. Jagoda, Jayakumar Ravathur, Otto Schultheis, G. Clark Fortune, Paul Brenner, Thomas J. Stoltz
  • Patent number: 8459301
    Abstract: A connecting unit for a sanitary fitting is proposed, said connecting unit having, on one side thereof, plug-in sockets for connection to plug-in nipples of the sanitary fitting. On the opposite side, the connecting unit contains connections for the domestic installation pipes. The sanitary fitting and the connecting unit are connected by plugging in a direction parallel to the wall surface. The connecting unit may contain a flushing pipe which is designed as a continuous bore. When the connecting unit is not yet connected to the sanitary fitting, said flushing pipe can be used to flush out the pipes. Said flushing pipe is stopped from functioning when the connection between the sanitary fitting and the connecting unit is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Hansgrohe SE
    Inventor: Werner Lorch
  • Patent number: 8439079
    Abstract: A manifold includes first and second plates secured together at an inner face of each plate. A plurality of chambers and passages are in the inner faces of the plates and at least one port on an outer face of each plate connected to one of the chambers and passages. A crossover element in the crossing chamber or passage of the first plate separates a chamber or passage in the first plate from a chamber or passage in the second plate in the area where the chambers or passages cross.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Bucky J. Bordeau, Eric Wright
  • Patent number: 8434521
    Abstract: A valve unit (120) is provided according to the invention. The valve unit (120) includes a valve body (121), two or more fasteners (128) adapted for affixing the valve body (121) to a base, and two or more fastener grooves (125) formed in two or more sides of the valve body (121). The two or more corresponding fasteners (128) rest in the two or more fastener grooves (125). The valve unit (120) further includes a fastener link (100) extending between the two or more fasteners (128) and holding the two or more fasteners (128) substantially in the two or more grooves (125).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Fluid Automation Systems S.A.
    Inventors: Raphael Alvarez, Pierre Sirdey
  • Patent number: 8434522
    Abstract: There is provided a fluid control apparatus which can reduce the number of members and can improve the assembling operation efficiency. A pressure indication device 4 to be replaced with a relatively-higher frequency is coupled to a base block 5 existing thereunder through male screw members 17 from above. An on-off valve 6 to be replaced with a relatively-lower frequency has, at its lower portion, a block-shaped main body 6a formed integrally therewith. The main body 6a of the on-off valve 6 is coupled to the base block 5 through male screw members 18 in the forward and rearward directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignees: Tokyo Electron Limited, Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Wataru Okase, Shuji Moriya, Tomohiro Nakata, Tsutomu Shinohara, Michio Yamaji
  • Patent number: 8434523
    Abstract: An upgradeable A/C maintenance system and methodology is provided including one or more modular manifolds for mounting and fluidly connecting several components. Embodiments include first and second manifolds, each for removably mounting a plurality of components, and each comprising an internal passage for fluidly connecting at least two of the plurality of components to each other, and a port for fluidly connecting the internal passage to an external surface of the first manifold. The first and second manifolds are removably attachable to each other such that their respective ports fluidly communicate with each other. The first manifold provides a first functionality for the system when the second manifold is not attached to the first manifold, and the second manifold provides a second functionality different from the first functionality when the second manifold is attached to the first manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Service Solutions U.S. LLC
    Inventor: Anwar Suharno
  • Patent number: 8434520
    Abstract: A valve control unit, particularly for a pressure modulator of a commercial vehicle includes a valve control housing, solenoid valves, which are provided with solenoids and internal valve pieces inserted into the solenoids, and a pneumatic interface. The solenoids are accommodated inside the valve control housing. Pressure sensors for measuring pneumatic pressures are accommodated in or on the valve control unit, preferably on the top surface. Valve bores, into which the internal valve pieces are inserted, extend within the valve control housing. Air ducts extend between the pneumatic interface, the valve bores, and the pressure sensors, inside the valve control housing. The solenoids and pressure sensors are contacted with an electrical interface. The valve control housing can be a single piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Frank, Siegfried Höfler, Andreas Teichmann
  • Publication number: 20130087234
    Abstract: A double-sealed cross-port fitting for use in a series progressive divider valve comprises an adapter body, a passage and a ring segment. The adapter body extends axially from a first end to a second end and includes an adapter segment and a coupling segment. The adapter segment is positioned at the first end and is configured to be coupled to another component. The coupling segment is positioned at the second end, extends from the adapter segment, and is configured to be inserted into a valve body. The passage extends through the adapter body from the first end to the second end. The ring segment extends radially from the coupling segment and is configured to engage the valve body. The ring segment forms a first seal face between the ring segment and the adapter segment and a second seal face between the ring segment and the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: GRACO MINNESOTA INC.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Klaphake, Anthony J. Kuschel
  • Patent number: 8413679
    Abstract: A modular control device (1) is proposed, containing a support module arrangement (3) equipped with a control module arrangement (15). Additionally provided information-carrying modules (42) make it possible to make information regarding the control modules (16) available. They respectively contain a fastening section (43) fixed in place on the support module arrangement (3) and an information-carrying section (45), which is pivotably seated on hinge means (44). The information-carrying section is embodied in an L-shape and can be selectively positioned in a working position, in which it extends over the control module arrangement (15), or in a release position, in which it makes the control module arrangement (15) accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Eduard Wenske, Heiko Kuhbauch
  • Patent number: 8413680
    Abstract: A fluid distribution apparatus for use in a cutting or shaping machine to facilitate chip breaking and cooling a variety of different diameter gear tools and workpieces when machining a workpiece is described. The fluid distribution apparatus includes a manifold block having a top face and a bottom face, with the top face including a seating surface adapted to be seated against an attachment surface of the machine. The apparatus also includes mounting holes in the top face for fastening engagement to the cutting machine, at least one inlet passage for connection to at least one fluid delivery nozzle, and a plurality of outlet flow passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Dan J. Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20130075636
    Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly capable of providing a continuous flow of pressurized inert gas to operate a process tool without interruption. A system comprising the solenoid valve assembly is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony John Smith, Jeffery C. Barthold, William John Dax
  • Patent number: 8403006
    Abstract: A stack or assembly of fluid, mechanical, and/or electrical components permits removal of some components for maintenance, without compromising the fluid integrity of the remainder of the assembly. A fastening bolt, attached to at least one fluid component, is screwed into a stacking bolt, attached to another fluid component, the bolts being screwed together inside the bore of an adapter plate. A resilient insert sits between the head of the stacking bolt and the bore. At least a portion of the bore has a continuous taper, such that the diameter of the bore decreases in the vicinity of the insert. The taper creates a reduced diameter hole on one surface of the adapter plate, thus preventing interference between fluid ports on an adjacent fluid component. The taper also prevents loss of the insert during transportation and storage, and prevents undesired extrusion of material of the insert when the components are fastened together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventors: David E. Albrecht, David E. Albrecht, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8393142
    Abstract: A reductant dosing manifold is disclosed. The reductant dosing manifold may have a housing with a pump interface configured to directly connect the reductant dosing manifold to a reductant pump, and a reductant supply passage in fluid communication with the pump interface. The housing may also have a reductant outlet port, and a pressurized reductant passage connecting the pump interface to the reductant outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Shashank Mupparapu, Raymond Upano Isada, Stephan D. Roozenboom, Michael R. Errera, Bryce L. Tiller
  • Patent number: 8387663
    Abstract: A manifold comprises a base material section made from an amorphous resin, a solenoid valve section including a plurality of solenoid valves made up of valve bodies, and a coupling section including a plurality of pipe couplings. The overall surface of the base material section is covered in a surrounding fashion without pinholes by a protective film, which is a dense layer film made from a chemically stable material. The manifold is surrounded by a protective box as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsumi Iijima, Kouji Wada, Yasunori Yoshida, Yutaka Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8387755
    Abstract: A lubrication system is provided that includes a pump operatively connected to one or more supply lines for delivery of a lubricant, the system including a first pressure sensor associated with the supply line at a first position, and a second pressure sensor associated with the supply line at a second position downstream of the first position and pump, a controller configured to receive pressure signals and control operation of the pump based upon the pressure differential between the pressures at the first position and second position. The pressure differential may be employed to determine when a pressure at a third position downstream of the second position has been achieved. At least one of the pressure sensors may be positioned adjacent to the pump, the controller further being operable to deactivate the pump in the event that a maximum pump pressure has been met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Marek
  • Patent number: 8375986
    Abstract: A plurality of valve assemblies having a plurality of manifold valves assembled are electrically coupled in a row via lead wire assemblies to transmit a power signal for driving solenoids of the manifold valves in parallel from the valve assembly at a proximal side of the row to the valve assembly at a leading end side via the manifold valves of the valve assemblies and the lead wire assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Shinji Miyazoe
  • Patent number: 8375979
    Abstract: On a valve body of a selector valve mounted on a base member, a bolt insertion hole extending across a valve hole within a width of the valve body is formed, a mounting bolt is inserted into the bolt insertion hole so as to cross the valve hole and a valve member. A distal end of the mounting bolt is screwed into a screw hole of the base member so as to fix the selector valve to the base member, while on the valve member, in order to avoid contact between the valve member and the mounting bolt, a hole-shaped or recess-shaped escape portion extending longer in an operating direction of the valve member is formed, and the mounting bolt is inserted through the escape portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 8371335
    Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly includes a three-port solenoid valve and a solenoid-valve holder having the solenoid valve mounted thereon, so that the solenoid valve can be attached on a pneumatic instrument via the solenoid-valve holder. When the solenoid valve is mounted on the solenoid-valve holder, this solenoid-valve holder is provided with a plurality of flow paths that communicate with each port of the solenoid valve, connection terminals electrically and respectively connected to electrification terminals conducting with an exciting coil of the solenoid valve, and receiving terminals for connecting the connection terminals to terminals of external power, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Hisataka Kato, Shinichi Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 8360086
    Abstract: An omnibus quasi-hydrosystem is disclosed. The omnibus quasi-hydrosystem includes a module base, at least two channel switching members mounted in the module base, at least two inlets formed in the module base and at least two outlets formed in the module base. The inlets allow fluid entering into the omnibus quasi-hydrosystem, the channel switching members alter the fluid path in the omnibus quasi-hydro system to a desired outlet to output the fluid. In addition, a modular omnibus quasi-hydrosystem is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Innotech Corporation
    Inventors: Ying-Chyi Chou, Wei-Che Chiu
  • Patent number: 8356632
    Abstract: This manifold comprises a stack formed by at least a plurality of tubular modules and a first support, and at least one tie for compressing the stack in a configuration in which central internal volumes of the various modules are in mutual communication, with adjacent parts of the stack overlapping in leaktight manner, and in which the relative position of two adjacent modules is stationary. The tie may be fastened in rotation about its longitudinal axis and in translation parallel to said axis, relative to the first support. The tie is equipped with a clamping nut that, in the tightened position, exerts a compression force on the stack of modules and on the first support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Staubli Faverges
    Inventors: Alain-Christophe Tiberghien, Christophe Durieux, Stephane Emeyriat
  • Patent number: 8347921
    Abstract: Two connected valve units each formed by serially connecting plural electromagnetic valves in a direct abutment state are disposed in parallel between two end blocks. The two end blocks are tightened with plural connecting bolts disposed therebetween so as to directly clamp and fix the two connected valve units from both sides in the serial connection direction of the electromagnetic valves. One of the end blocks is provided with a power supply connector, and the other is provided with an air inlet port and a discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Narita, Shinichi Yoshimura, Takashi Murakami
  • Patent number: 8336736
    Abstract: A device for controlled delivery of pressurized fluids from a multiplicity of pressurize fluid sources having a multiplicity of pressurized fluid lines engaged therewith to a bar gun. The device comprises a flow control assembly with a multiplicity of flow channel assemblies. Each flow channel assembly has a high pressure tube receiving port adapted to receive a fluid pressure line from a high pressure fluid source. Each flow control assembly has an on/off valve and flow control structure downstream thereof. The flow control structure may be self-adjusting or mechanical control. The flow control assembly includes a housing for engaging the fluid flow channel assemblies thereon. A manifold assembly is adapted to engage the flow control assembly. The manifold assembly includes a multiplicity of connector fittings, each having an upstream and a downstream end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Schroeder Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: A. A. Jud Schroeder, Dave Santy, Deborah Absalon
  • Patent number: 8322367
    Abstract: An expandable chemical delivery system sharing a common bulk fluid inlet and bulk fluid flow path to direct a bulk fluid through one or more selected chemical eductors. Each chemical eductor is slidably insertable into an eductor port on the manifold body such that rotation of the chemical eductor is not required for installation. After installation, the orientation of the chemical eductor can be rotatably adjusted so as to avoid interference with adjacent chemical eductors. Delivery of a bulk fluid to each chemical eductor is controlled via a corresponding valve assembly that selectively allows or blocks flow of the bulk fluid from the bulk fluid flow path to the corresponding chemical eductor. The manifold body can include a plurality of individual manifold bodies approximated with a coupling system to define the bulk fluid flow path. Alternatively, the manifold body can comprise a single fabricated body for high pressure operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hydra-Flex Inc.
    Inventors: Jaime L. Harris, Gary A. Brown, David G. Kensinger, Karl J. Fritze
  • Patent number: 8322380
    Abstract: A universal fluid flow adaptor may be formed of a single structure having a plurality of vertical conduits to receive a gas flow, the plurality of vertical conduits extending through the single structure from the top surface to the bottom surface, a plurality of horizontal conduits to receive a gas flow, the plurality of horizontal conduits extending through the first side, the second side, the first end, and the second end at an interior of the single structure, wherein one or more of the plurality of vertical conduits converge with at least one of the plurality of horizontal conduits at the interior of the single structure, and wherein one or more of the plurality of horizontal conduits converge to form at least one cross-shaped conduit at the interior of the single structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Taskar
  • Publication number: 20120298237
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes an electronics housing and a valve housing assembly engaged to the electronics housing. The valve housing assembly includes a valve body defining a plurality of fluid ports in fluid communication with the valve bore. A plurality of fluid dampeners is disposed in the fluid ports. A sensor plate is engaged to the valve body. The sensor plate defines a plurality of sensor ports that are generally aligned with the fluid ports of the valve body. At least four fluid sensors are disposed in the plurality of fluid ports of the valve body. A cover is engaged to the sensor plate. The cover defines a cavity. A circuit board is disposed in the cavity of the cover. The circuit board is in electrical communication with the fluid sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Pankaj Nalgirkar, Rahul L. Navale, Kevin E. Alstrin
  • Patent number: 8307902
    Abstract: A downhole flow control tool 1, includes a flow control member in the form of a sleeve 8, and comprises a main body 2 having a longitudinal internal bore 3 extending therethrough, an upper end 4 having a box section 6, and a lower end 5 with a pin section 7, which enable connection of the tool 1 into a work string. The flow control sleeve 8 is mounted for movement relative to the bore 3 between at least a closed and one of several open positions. The tool body 2 includes several flow ports extending through a wall of the body 2 and spaced around a circumference of the body 2. The tool provides multiple fluid flow control options for directing and splitting fluid flow for example during a drilling operation to clear settled cuttings by suitable location of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services Group Limited
    Inventor: George Telfer
  • Patent number: 8307854
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system that includes flow substrates and manifolds that minimize the number of fluid conduit ports and seals needed to build standardized fluid delivery sticks. Each flow substrate has a component attachment surface with one or more component conduit ports and an associated plurality of fastener apertures. Some flow substrates incorporate a transverse manifold connection conduit port on a surface opposite the component attachment surface. Fastener apertures associated with the transverse manifold connection conduit port are accessible adjacent to installed fluid handling components. Transverse connection between fluid delivery sticks use a welded assembly of fluid conduits to provide a transverse connecting lower layer which is sealingly retained by fasteners inserted from above through apertures associated with the transverse manifold connection conduit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Vistadeltek, Inc.
    Inventor: Kim Ngoc Vu
  • Patent number: 8307849
    Abstract: A rotary coupler for directing a fluid between a fluid supply and fixtures rotatable about a fixture axis and which has a manifold plate directing the fluid from a manifold inlet and a manifold outlet to the fixtures positioned about the fixture axis, the coupler including a spindle having a base portion and a shaft portion and the shaft portion defines a coupler axis and has a shaft surface generally coaxial to the coupler axis and the shaft surface includes an annular pressure zone and an axially spaced annular tank zone, the spindle also includes an internal pressurized fluid passage and an internal tank fluid passage wherein the pressurized passage extends within the spindle the coupler further includes a hub with a shaft opening shaped to receive the shaft portion, the manifold having control valves for selective actuation of the fixturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Jergens, Inc.
    Inventor: Harry P. Fuller
  • Publication number: 20120279592
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system includes a manifold plate having an upper surface, four vertical sides, and a lower surface opposite the upper surface, where the manifold plate includes a gas inlet, a gas outlet, and a plurality of component receiving stations, one or more component receiving stations located on the upper surface and two or more component receiving stations located on the lower surface. The manifold plate also includes a plurality of internal fluid passageways interconnecting the gas inlet, the plurality of component receiving stations, and the gas outlet. The system also includes a plurality of active fluid components, one active fluid component coupled to a corresponding one component receiving station on the manifold plate. The fluid delivery system can be configured having a single channel or a dual channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: ADVANTAGE GROUP INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: William L. Manofsky, JR., Eric J. Redemann, Donald H. Julian
  • Patent number: 8281816
    Abstract: There is provided a fluid control apparatus which enables reducing widths of lines for further reducing space occupied by the apparatus. Support flow-channel blocks 9 and 10 are constituted by large block portions 25 and 27 which have openings of fluid flow channels 9a and 10a abutted against openings of fluid flow channels 11c and 11d in extended flow-channel blocks 11a and 11b with seal portions 20 interposed therebetween and, also, are abutted against lower surfaces of the extended flow-channel blocks 11a and 11b, and small block portions 26 and 28 which have lower surfaces flushed with the large block portions 25 and 27 and have heights smaller than those of the large block portions. The small block portions 26 and 28 are provided with male-screw-members insertion holes 26a and 28a for mounting the support flow-channel blocks 9 and 10 to a base member 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Tomohiro Nakata, Tsutomu Shinohara, Michio Yamaji
  • Publication number: 20120241034
    Abstract: A device to enhance sealing is provided. The device includes a body and a pressure cup. The pressure cup includes a channel, a first pressure channel, and a second pressure channel. The channel is formed in a surface of the body to surround a first portion of the surface. The channel is configured to hold an o-ring. The first pressure channel extends through the body and opens into the first portion of the surface. The second pressure channel extends through the body and opens into the channel. Pneumatic pressure within the second pressure channel is controlled to hold the o-ring in the channel when a second pressure within the first pressure channel changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Andrew Paul Wilke, Robert Charles Mierendorf, Anthony Charles Grabski, Cunjiang Cheng
  • Publication number: 20120227848
    Abstract: Provided is an integrated gas panel apparatus which has excellent responsiveness, stabilizes gas concentration, and furthermore, can keep a conventional panel shape as it is. A panel body comprises at least a main flow channel block body for forming a main flow channel, and a branch flow channel block body for forming a branch flow channel. The branch flow channel block bodies are arranged on the both right and left sides to face each other by having the main flow channel block body at the center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: HORIBA STEC, CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Oya, Tatsuya Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20120224983
    Abstract: A multi-way valve includes a plurality of parallel combination valves for controlling corresponding actuators (4-1-4-5). Each combination valve comprises proportional throttle valves (2-1-2-5) and reversing valves (3-1-3-5). An oil inlet of the proportional throttle valve is communicated with a main oil inlet (P), and an oil outlet of the proportional throttle valve is communicated with an oil inlet of the reversing valve. An oil outlet of the reversing valve is communicated with the main oil return port (T). Wherein, each combination valve further comprises a one-way control valve (9-1-9-5, 10-1-10-5) for obtaining the load pressure of corresponding actuator. One side of the one-way control valve is communicated with a pipeline between the proportional throttle valve and the actuator. The multi-way valve further includes a control element (8) which receives the load pressure fed back by each one-way control valve and responds to the load pressure to control the supply of hydraulic oil for the actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Xiaogang Yi, Yongdong Liu, Yanghui Xiang
  • Patent number: 8251261
    Abstract: [Object] To provide a liquid delivery apparatus capable of cutting the number of installation steps, eliminating the necessity of connectors such as couplings, and reducing the apparatus size. [Solving Means] The liquid delivery apparatus comprises a pressure reducing valve for adjusting pressure of pressurized gas, a pressure supply joint for supplying the pressurized gas having the adjusted pressure, and a solenoid valve for selectively establishing or cutting off communication between the pressure reducing valve and the pressure supply joint. The solenoid valve and the pressure reducing valve are arranged integrally with a manifold having channels formed therein. The solenoid valve and the pressure reducing valve are arranged on outer surfaces of the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Musashi Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Kazumasa Ikushima
  • Patent number: 8235067
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Alphabio, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael C. Gagne, Steven V. Cates
  • Patent number: 8231397
    Abstract: A distributor for supplying consumers of an industrial plant with electricity and with fluid and for transmitting communication signals from and to the consumers has separate feed connections for supplying electricity and fluid as well as a collective line for communication signals. It further has a plurality of identical hybrid plug connectors which include plug connector elements for electric power supply, for fluid supply, and for communication signals and which are in communication with the corresponding feed connections and with the collective line, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Buerkert Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Ottliczky
  • Patent number: 8220495
    Abstract: There is provided a fluid control apparatus which can improve assembling operation efficiency. A screw insertion hole 29 extending in a front and rear direction have a stepped portion 29a which receives a head portion 18a of a male screw member 18, and the stepped portion 29a is positioned at a position closer to an inserted tip end side of a male screw member 28 in the front and rear direction than a position, in the front and rear direction, of male screw members 34 from above. By fastening the male screw member 18 in the front and rear direction at first and then fastening the male screw member 34 from above, it is possible to prevent the male screw member 18 in the front and rear direction and the male screw member 34 from above from interfering with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Tomohiro Nakata, Tsutomu Shinohara, Michio Yamaji
  • Patent number: 8219253
    Abstract: A regulator module serves for the regulation of an actuator, in particular a pneumatic drive, and has a regulator communication interface for for output of the regulation target value and receiving an input actual value. The regulator module comprises concatenating contacts for in line arrangement on a fluid power and in particular pneumatic valve cluster with several valve modules, arranged in a row direction adjacent to each other for the fluid control of fluid power actuators and that the regulator module has an internal bus interface for connection with an internal communication bus of the valve cluster and that the regulator module is able to be connected by way of the internal communication bus with a valve cluster communication means for external communication of the valve cluster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jurgen Arbter, Thomas Kintzel, Gerhard Nolle, Klaus Rautenbach
  • Patent number: 8201989
    Abstract: A fluid mixing system capable of quickly stabilizing flow rates of a plurality of fluids to be mixed is arranged to mix the fluids and deliver a mixture thereof to a container. The system includes a plurality of on-off valves for the respective fluids and delivering the fluids to the container. The on-off valves are caused to open and close in order according to respective duty ratios each indicating an opening/closing ratio in a cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: CKD Corporation
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Itoh, Yasunori Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8202422
    Abstract: A fluid system for a pump circuit (10), in particular a hydraulic high-pressure pump circuit, has a function block (12). In the housing of the function block, fluid-conducting paths extend and are connected to valve components (32, 46) at least partially. A filter device is an at least partially integrated constituent part of the function block of the fluid system. The filter device (46) with its filter housing (56) can be connected to the function block (12) such that at least one filter element (70) is received in the installation space (72) of the function block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Hydac Process Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Wnuk, Markus Olschok, Jürgen Sauer
  • Patent number: 8196609
    Abstract: Provided is an integrated gas panel apparatus which has excellent responsiveness, stabilizes gas concentration, and furthermore, can keep a conventional panel shape as it is. A panel body comprises at least a main flow channel block body for forming a main flow channel, and a branch flow channel block body for forming a branch flow channel. The branch flow channel block bodies are arranged on the both right and left sides to face each other by having the main flow channel block body at the center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: HORIBA STEC, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Oya, Tatsuya Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20120138181
    Abstract: A multiple valve fluid manifold and line splitter assembly includes a flush valve mounted on two or more spool valves with flush-faced seal glands mounted on a common manifold block. When one or more paint line valves close, the manifold block continues to supply the open paint line valve circuits with paint. The closed paint line valve can then be completely flushed without unflushed residuals remaining in dead spots, cavities or pockets of the spool valve. The complete manifold valve assembly can be flushed out by flushing solvent through the inlet port of the manifold block and out through the open line valve circuits of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Steve C. Smith, Bruce H. Menk
  • Patent number: 8186441
    Abstract: A system and method to allow backup or alternate fluid flow routes around malfunctioning components using removable, modular component sets. In one exemplary embodiment, an ROV establishes a backup hydraulic flow to a BOP function by attaching one end of a hose to a modular valve block and the other end to an intervention shuttle valve, thus circumventing and isolating malfunctioning components. A compound intervention shuttle valve is provided that comprises first and second primary inlets, first and second secondary inlets, and an outlet. A modular valve block is provided that comprises a directional control valve, a pilot valve, a manifold pressure regulator, a pilot pressure regulator, stab type hydraulic connections and an electrical wet-make connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Donohue, Angela Donohue, legal representative, Steve O'leary, Tom Thrash
  • Patent number: 8182437
    Abstract: Pneumatic compression devices and methods for using the same are disclosed. A pneumatic compression device may include a compression pump, a fill/exhaust valve, a transducer, a plurality of cell valves, and a controller. The compression pump may output a pressurized fluid via an output. The fill/exhaust valve may connect one or more cell valves to the compression pump when in an open state and to the atmosphere when in a closed state. The transducer may sense a pressure level. Each cell valve may correspond to a cell and may connect the fill/exhaust valve to the corresponding cell when in an open state. The controller may determine a state (either open or closed) for each of the fill/exhaust valve and the plurality of cell valves based on at least the pressure level sensed by the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Wright Therapy Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James Gasbarro, Carol Lynn Wright
  • Patent number: 8172546
    Abstract: Systems and methods for compensating for pressure increase which may occur in various enclosed spaces of a pumping apparatus are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention may compensate for pressure increases in chambers of a pumping apparatus by moving a pumping means of the pumping apparatus to adjust the volume of the chamber to compensate for a pressure increase in the chamber. More specifically, in one embodiment, to account for unwanted pressure increases to the fluid in a dispense chamber the dispense motor may be reversed to back out piston to compensate for any pressure increase in the dispense chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: James Cedrone, George Gonnella, Raymond A. Zagars, Robert F. McLoughlin
  • Patent number: 8156965
    Abstract: A modular arrangement is proposed with modules (10-25) added in a row direction, these being constructed at least partially as valve modules (16-21, 23, 24), wherein one module is constructed as a control module (10) and is connected to the other modules (11-25) by control and/or sensor lines (30) running transversely through these modules. Voltage supply lines (36, 37) powered by a voltage source (33) run transversely through the modules (10-25). At least one module is constructed as a safety module (12) and has a switching arrangement (38) for interrupting the voltage supply lines (36) to the modules (13-21) powered via the safety module (12) in the activated state. Safety-related control and/or diagnostic electronics are provided for activating the switching arrangement (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rolf Kremser, Bernd Gienger, Achim Ziegele, Uwe Gräff