Sectional Block Structure Patents (Class 137/884)
  • Publication number: 20080289710
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Marc A. Unger, Hou-Pu Chou, Todd A. Thorsen, Axel Scherer, Stephen R. Quake, Markus M. Enzeiberger, Mark L. Adams, Carl L. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20080271800
    Abstract: A modular fluid handling system is disclosed and may include a plurality of fluid handling units. Adjacent fluid handling units may be coupled together to form the fluid handling system. The fluid handling system may deliver fluid from at least one fluid source to fluid utilizing equipment. A plurality of fluid passages may be formed from the coupled plurality of fluid handling units, where the diameter of at least one fluid passage may be greater than the diameter of at least one other fluid passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Matheson Tri-Gas
    Inventors: William J. Curran, Dane C. Scott
  • Patent number: 7434598
    Abstract: A machining method for an integrated piping plate, for example, composed of a plurality of plates joined together, and in which an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus, or the instrument, or the component are or is disposed on one surface or both surfaces of the integrated piping plate, and the instrument and the component, or the instrument, or the component are or is connected by fluid channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and communication holes formed in the plates. The machining method welds the joining surfaces of the plates around the entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, for example, by an FSW welding machine, to join the plates. Compared with joining of the plates by an adhesive, the machining method can increase the durability of the plate joining portion and increase pressure resistance. Also, the method can increase work efficiency and further downsize the integrated piping plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Haretaro Hidaka, Michio Tsukamoto
  • Publication number: 20080230133
    Abstract: A compressed air system servicing device consists of a plurality of functional modules, adapted to be placed in a row, of which at least one part is able to be modularly configured. These functional modules respectively comprise a uniform basic pneumatic block (10), which on two parallel outer walls (11) possesses connection means (12) for the production of pneumatic connections on placing them in line. At least two of the remaining outer wall of the basic pneumatic block (10) possess interfaces for connection with functional blocks (13, 16, 20 and 21), at least one of the interfaces being designed to cooperate with different functional blocks. Accordingly using a relatively small number of block elements functional modules may be configured in any desired manner in various different way so that production and stock holding costs may be substantially reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Jens Garner
  • Patent number: 7418978
    Abstract: In a first aspect, a valve assembly is provided that includes a valve assembly output adapted to output at least one of DI water and a chemical. A first valve of the valve assembly includes (1) a first input adapted to receive the chemical; (2) a first output adapted to circulate the chemical to a chemical return; and (3) a second output adapted to output the chemical to the valve assembly output. The valve assembly also includes a second valve positioned downstream from the first valve. The second valve includes (1) an input adapted to receive deionized (DI) water; and (2) an output adapted to output DI water to the valve assembly output. A check valve is coupled between the second output of the first valve and the output of the second valve, and the first valve, second valve and check valve are included in a single manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandy Shih-Hsun Chao, Songjae Lee, Ho Seon Shin
  • Publication number: 20080202614
    Abstract: A passage block formed with a passage connectable to a fluid control device comprises a first block member formed with a plurality of first-coupling-face apertures, a second block member formed with a plurality of second-coupling-face apertures in correspondence with the first-bonding-apertures, a first passage-end contact portion formed around each of the first-coupling-face apertures, a second passage-end contact portion formed around each of the second-coupling-face apertures, and a passage-end contact section provided in such a manner that a lower surface of the first block member and an upper surface of the second block member are arranged to face each other so that the first and second passage-end contact portions contact with each other, and the first and second block members are heated under pressure to diffusion-bond the first and second passage-end contact portions to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: CKD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mitsuru Mamyo, Kazutoshi Itoh
  • Publication number: 20080202615
    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: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Swagelok Company
    Inventor: Paul G. Eldsmore
  • Patent number: 7409965
    Abstract: A direct acting hydraulic voting trip block defines three separate paths between an inlet and an outlet port. Each path is intersected by a valve cylinder. Valve pistons in each valve cylinder are configured, in the activated position, to block two of thee different paths. As long as at least two of the pistons are in the activated position, communication between the inlet and outlet ports is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Elliott Company
    Inventors: Samuel Blaser, Heinz Vogler
  • Patent number: 7410519
    Abstract: A sandwich filter device including a block body and an insert held in the block body. The insert and the block body each have a passage for gas flow through. Positioned across the insert passage is a filter for removing contaminants from a gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Inventor: Dieter H. Ewald
  • Patent number: 7404417
    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: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventor: Paul E. Eidsmore
  • Publication number: 20080173366
    Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a gas box module for supplying a process gas into a semiconductor device manufacturing equipment. The gas box module may include a component adapted to supply the process gas into a process chamber and a block part. The component may have a first mating portion, and the block part may have a second mating portion adapted to correspond to the first mating portion, so as to align and secure the component to the block part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: Tae-Kyung Kwon
  • Patent number: 7398796
    Abstract: The invention concerns a valve arrangement (1) with a high-pressure connection (P), a low-pressure connection (T), at least one control valve (2 to 5), which is accommodated in a control valve module and has at least one working connection (A, B) for a hydraulic consumer (7 to 10), and a safety valve (6), which is accommodated in a safety valve module, and which releases or blocks a passage between the high-pressure connection (P) and the control valves (2 to 5), the control valve module (2 to 5) and the safety valve module (6) being connected to one component group. It is endeavoured to provide a valve arrangement with a high safety level. For this purpose, it is ensured that each control valve (2 to 5, 2? to 5?) has an error detection device (19), that the safety valve module (6) has a safety switch device (21) and that the component group has a connection (20) between the safety switch device (21) and the error detection device (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss Aps
    Inventors: Henrik Hjorth, Jens Vester
  • Patent number: 7377481
    Abstract: A pair of terminal insertion holes are formed to the end wall portion of an magnetic cover in an electromagnetic manipulator, a pair of coil terminals electrically conductive to an exiting coil are extended from a first flange portion of a bobbin in parallel with the axial line of the bobbin as well as extended to the outside of the end wall portion passing through the terminal insertion holes in an electrically insulated state due to the interposition of rubber bushes, a print board electrically connected to the coil terminals and an electrically insulating protection cover for covering the print board are disposed above the outside surface of the end wall portion, and power receiving terminals to which a power supply external connector is connected are disposed to the print board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Masaru Narita, Hideharu Sato
  • Patent number: 7373955
    Abstract: A modular manifold includes a first pair of adjoining port modules configured with a first internal channel adapted for fluid flow and two side ports arranged on top of each other. A front cap is operatively coupled to one side of the first pair of adjoining port modules. The front cap provides threaded access to the first internal channel. A second pair of adjoining port modules is operatively coupled to another side of the first pair of adjoining port modules. The second pair of adjoining port modules has a second internal channel adapted for fluid flow and two side ports arranged on top of each other. The first and second internal channels define a common manifold channel. The side ports are aligned in a linear fashion. An end cap is operatively coupled to the second pair of adjoining port modules and configured to seal the common manifold channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: MICAD Marine Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Ron Steinberg
  • Patent number: 7370674
    Abstract: An interconnection assembly for the transport of a fluid between an external fluidic means and a mounting block of a modular fluid distribution system, comprising: a cylindrical cavity formed through a face of the mounting block; a cylindrical flow element, a fluid passage formed therethrough, at least one retaining groove being formed on the outer surface; a retaining means; wherein the cylindrical flow element is inserted into the cylindrical cavity, the annular sealing means being compressed, the annular sealing means forming a hermetic seal between the fluid passage and the fluid port, the retaining means engaging retaining groove, the retaining means being braced against the mounting block; and wherein said fluid is transported between said external fluidic component and said mounting block via said cylindrical flow element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Doyle
  • Patent number: 7367360
    Abstract: A machining method for an integrated piping plate, for example, composed of a plurality of plates joined together, and in which an instrument and a component constituting an apparatus, or the instrument, or the component are or is disposed on one surface or both surfaces of the integrated piping plate, and the instrument and the component, or the instrument, or the component are or is connected by fluid channel grooves formed in joining surfaces of the plates, and communication holes formed in the plates. The machining method welds the joining surfaces of the plates around the entire periphery of the fluid channel grooves, for example, by an FSW welding machine, to join the plates. Compared with joining of the plates by an adhesive, the machining method can increase the durability of the plate joining portion and increase pressure resistance. Also, the method can increase work efficiency and further downsize the integrated piping plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Haretaro Hidaka, Michio Tsukamoto
  • Publication number: 20080087346
    Abstract: A valve apparatus includes a first base block having flow passages formed therein, a second base block and a control block. By connecting together side surfaces of the blocks so that the surfaces mutually oppose one another, a manifold formed in the interior of each of the blocks is configured and connected, and valves are installed internally in the first base block and the second base block. Further, gaskets are gripped between each of the interconnected parts, wherein the gaskets are held in a state of being flush with or protruding with respect to outer surfaces of the blocks that are positioned on both sides of the gaskets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: SMC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideyuki Takada, Yoshihiko Ito
  • Patent number: 7343926
    Abstract: A liquid raw material supply unit for a vaporizer is adapted to supply a liquid raw material to the vaporizer that vaporizes the liquid raw material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignees: CKD Corporation, Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Tsuneyuki Okabe, Shigeyuki Okura, Hiroki Doi, Minoru Ito, Yoji Mori, Yasunori Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7341435
    Abstract: A fluid end for a high-pressure pump including a unitary body with a plurality of horizontal passages each for receiving a reciprocating plunger at one of its ends and a pressure relief valve at the other of its ends. The body is provided with a corresponding number of vertical passages each of which intersect one of the horizontal passages and contains a suction valve at its bottom and a discharge valve at its top. A suction manifold is hingedly attached to the bottom of body to provide a flow of fluid into the body via the suction valves. A discharge passage intersects the vertical passages and receives fluid pressurized by the plungers via discharge valves and ports such from the fluid end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Gardner Denver, Inc.
    Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
  • Patent number: 7334848
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure controller is provided which includes a hydraulic unit for controlling hydraulic pressure and an electronic control unit. The hydraulic unit includes a block in which are mounted electric actuators. The electronic control unit controls the electric actuators by applying electric signals thereto to control hydraulic pressure produced in the hydraulic unit to external elements in a controlled manner, thereby controlling the behavior of the vehicle. The electronic control unit includes a housing in which are mounted a circuit board and other electronic and electric parts, and a fitting portion provided on the housing so as to face one side of the block. At least one end portion of the block is received in the fitting portion and is engaged by a seal. The controller further includes a fastener for joining the block to the fitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taro Segawa, Takayuki Shibata, Masuhiro Kondo
  • Patent number: 7334605
    Abstract: A gas panel comprising a first gas stick, a second gas stick, and a first manifold. The first gas stick has a first flow path that includes a first plurality of ports formed in a common plane, and the second gas stick has a second flow path that includes a second plurality of ports formed in the common plane. The first manifold has first and second ports formed in the common plane, the first port being fluidly connected to one port of the first plurality of ports of the first gas stick, and the second port being fluidly connected to one port of the second plurality of ports of the second gas stick. A thermally and vibrationally insulating mounting assembly may be used to mount the first and second gas sticks to a mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Celerity, Inc.
    Inventor: Kim Vu
  • Patent number: 7335002
    Abstract: A fluid end for a high-pressure pump including a unitary body with a plurality of horizontal passages each for receiving a reciprocating plunger at one of its ends and a pressure relief valve at the other of its ends. The body is provided with a corresponding number of vertical passages each of which intersect one of the horizontal passages and contains a suction valve at its bottom and a discharge valve at its top. A suction manifold is hingedly attached to the bottom of body to provide a flow of fluid into the body via the suction valves. A discharge passage intersects the vertical passages and receives fluid pressurized by the plungers via discharge valves and ports such from the fluid end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Gardner Denver, Inc.
    Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
  • Patent number: 7328720
    Abstract: To construct solenoid valves used as a solenoid assembly by assembling the solenoid valves in a group so that both collective wiring and individual wiring can be performed and the solenoid valves can be simultaneously cut off from a collective wiring power supply and an individual wiring power supply. An individually receiving connector for connecting an individual feeding connector, a switching member being able to be freely shifted between a first operational position where the connection of the individual feeding connector to the individual receiving connector is prohibited and a second operational position where the connection is allowed, and a switch operating in response to operation of the switching member are provided in a solenoid valve connected to a power supply by collective wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Shinji Miyazoe
  • Patent number: 7320338
    Abstract: A microvalve assembly that can help protect a microvalve or an assembly of microvalves from the environment. Such a microvalve assembly may be mechanically assembled, without the use of adhesives and/or other materials that might out-gas and/or otherwise reduce the performance of the electrostatically actuated devices contained therein. In particular, a microvalve assembly can include a base fixture, a clamp fixture that is configured to be attached to the base fixture, and an electrostatically actuated microvalve that is disposed between the base fixture and the clamp fixture. The clamp fixture may be mechanically secured to the base fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Eugen I. Cabuz, Jay G. Schwichtenberg
  • Patent number: 7320339
    Abstract: Modular components for use in a gas-panel assembly of the type having two or more gas-panel sticks mounted on a support, stick being composed of a manifold having a plurality of gas components mounted thereon, and internal fluid connections between individual components carried on each manifolds, are disclosed. The components include one or more modular blocks that can be removably placed within or adjacent an end of each manifold, an internal pipe module that provides an internal fluid passageway between one of the gas components carried on a manifold and a support on an adjacent modular block unit, and one or more external pipe modules that provide an external fluid passageway between surface ports formed in the modular block, for connecting adjacent manifolds in the gas assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew L. Milburn
  • Patent number: 7316244
    Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a main valve unit including a spool for switching a channel, and a solenoid operating unit for driving the spool, the main valve unit includes manual buttons capable of manually switching the spool, and a safety member movably disposed, and this safety member can be moved between a locking position for locking the manual buttons in an inoperative state by locking the safety member in the manual buttons and an unlocking position for unlocking the lock by disengaging the safety member from the manual buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Miyazoe, Katsuyuki Senba
  • Publication number: 20070289652
    Abstract: A fluid handling unit is disclosed and includes a body, a plurality of fluid passage ports formed in the body, and a plurality of orifices formed on surfaces of the body to provide fluid access to the ports from outside the unit. At least two of the orifices may have different cross-sectional areas. A modular fluid handling system is also disclosed and includes a plurality of fluid handling units, wherein adjacent fluid handling units are coupled together to form the fluid handling system. The fluid handling system may deliver fluid from at least one fluid source to fluid utilizing equipment. A plurality of fluid passages may be formed by the fluid handling units, and the diameter of one fluid passage may be greater than the diameter of another fluid passage. At least one control component may be coupled with at least one fluid handling unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: Matheson Tri-Gas
    Inventors: William J. Curran, Dane C. Scott
  • Patent number: 7299825
    Abstract: A gas-panel manifold for use in a gas-panel assembly mounted on a support is disclosed. The manifold includes (i) a plurality of two-port stations at which gas components, including one or more gas-valve components, can be mounted, (II) at least one station having a port for accommodating an overhead fluid connection, and (iii) internal fluid connections between individual stations in the manifold, for carrying a gas from one gas component mounted on the assembly to another, and for carrying gas from said one station to one of the two ports at a station which a valved gas component is to be mounted. The fluid connections have a cross-sectional area that is larger than can be accommodated by a three-port station of the type used for mounting a three-port valved gas component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew L. Milburn
  • Patent number: 7293494
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve stack for a work machine is disclosed. The hydraulic valve stack has a base with a first mounting surface and a second mounting surface. The base is connectable to the work machine and has at least one fluid passageway extending through the base from the first mounting surface to the second mounting surface. The hydraulic valve stack also has a permanent valve assembly configured to control a permanent function of the work machine and an optional valve assembly configured to control an optional function of the work machine. The permanent valve assembly is connectable to the first mounting surface of the base, while the optional valve assembly is connectable to the second mounting surface of the base. Each of the permanent and the optional valve assemblies have at least one fluid passageway in communication with the at least one fluid passageway of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Michael Morency, Edward Lee Stapleton, Wesley Thomas Payne
  • Patent number: 7278550
    Abstract: In a liquid dispensing system having a dispensing module and a manifold or service block, the manifold includes an vertically oriented interactive portion that extends, for example, outwardly from a front side and the dispensing module includes a correspondingly shaped interactive portion configured to engage the manifold so that the dispensing module is automatically aligned. The increased surface area in contact between the module and manifold improves their sealing engagement and heat transfer with one another, reduces leakage, and permits increased operating pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Bezema, Ronald Buerger
  • Patent number: 7261121
    Abstract: A system and method for an expandable gas or fluid distribution system is disclosed. The expandable distribution system comprises at least one device, an endcap, and an inlet piece. The electromagnetic switch is removably coupled to the endcap and the inlet piece such that the distribution system can be expanded by adding another device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Norgren, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Bordonaro, Christopher Bezzina, Mark Pevoteaux, Todd M. Ables, Stephen Fiondella, Jeff Sherrel
  • Patent number: 7258139
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a bridge fitting for use in a fluid manifold system for being in fluid communication with two or more surface mounted fluid components having an inlet port and an adjacent outlet port. The invention also provides for a housing with a first port connected to a second port, with an internal fluid passageway joining the first and second ports and at least one projection extending from the housing. The bridge fittings may be mounted in a channel block having a groove and an aligned hole for receiving the projection. Another embodiment of the invention provides for a modular surface mount check valve with a valve body having a mounting flange connected thereto, the flange being substantially planar and having an inlet passage located about the center of the flange and an outlet passage located adjacent the inlet passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Robert V. Perusek, David J. Hasak, Gregory S. Kalata, Douglas A. Nordstrom, Timothy Maruna
  • Patent number: 7252116
    Abstract: A coupling solenoid valve, of which both side faces in the valve-width direction are coupling faces for coupling another solenoid valve, including a main valve unit for switching a fluid channel using a spool, and a solenoid operating unit for driving the spool, wherein a housing of the main valve unit is divided into plurality of blocks, a valve hole for accommodating the spool is formed in a center block, a bottom block is made up of a synthetic resin, plurality of coupling communication holes are formed in this bottom block, and also a connection tube is formed in an integrated manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Miyazoe, Katsuyuki Senba
  • Patent number: 7252115
    Abstract: A coupling solenoid valve having a main valve unit and a solenoid operating unit, of which both side faces in the valve-width direction correspond to a first coupling face and a second coupling face for coupling another solenoid valve, wherein a binding member is movably attached to the main unit, this binding member is provided with an engaging hook protruding on the first coupling face side, a hook-engaging portion is formed on the second coupling face side of the main valve unit, and the hook is engaged with the engaging portion of the adjacent solenoid valve, thereby coupling the adjacent solenoid valves so as to be mutually connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Miyazoe, Katsuyuki Senba
  • Patent number: 7234707
    Abstract: An Active Roll Control System for a motor vehicle that utilizes small valves to control large flows. Flow is supplied by a hydraulic pump which is powered in some fashion by the motor vehicle. Flow is directed to the actuators by a three-position-four-way valve that is controlled by two pairs of small ABS style solenoid valves. This allows for a minimum of power to be supplied by the vehicle to operate the system. Also, this valve arrangement allows a desirable failure mode whereby hydraulic fluid is locked into the hydraulic actuators, there by locking in the anti-roll bar in case of a system failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Steve J. Green, Greg Campau, Harry Hunnicutt
  • Patent number: 7228876
    Abstract: A valve island that has vented non-active areas is disclosed. The valve island has a plurality of active gas passageways that are coupled together between components. At the junction between the different components the active fluid passageways are surrounded by a sealing surface. The sealing surface essentially surrounds some non-active areas. The non-active areas are vented to the outside air through one or more passageways. The non-active areas may be recessed from the sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Norgren, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter A. Zub
  • Patent number: 7225835
    Abstract: A gas panel comprising a first gas stick, a second gas stick, and a first manifold. The first gas stick has a first flow path that includes a first plurality of ports formed in a common plane, and the second gas stick has a second flow path that includes a second plurality of ports formed in the common plane. The first manifold has first and second ports formed in the common plane, the first port being fluidly connected to one port of the first plurality of ports of the first gas stick, and the second port being fluidly connected to one port of the second plurality of ports of the second gas stick. A thermally and vibrationally insulating mounting assembly may be used to mount the first and second gas sticks to a mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Celerity, Inc.
    Inventor: Kim Ngoc Vu
  • Patent number: 7213618
    Abstract: A fluid manifold and components for constructing the fluid manifold having a plurality of separate fluid-flow pathways are disclosed. The manifold includes a plurality of pipe modules which form the fluid-flow pathways and a plurality of block modules which can be placed together in various configurations with the pipe modules to form the fluid manifold. The pipe modules have terminal collars or flanges by which they are supported within the block modules, and the block module construction allows modules to be removed and replaced without removal of adjacent block or pipe modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Ultra Clean Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew L. Milburn, Bruce C. Wier
  • Patent number: 7213612
    Abstract: A control valve for operating a fluid-actuated device includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a passage in fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, the passage defining a longitudinal axis. A valve seat is disposed in the passage and includes an upstream diameter and a downstream diameter, the downstream diameter smaller than the upstream diameter. A ball poppet is positionable in a seated line contact position with the valve seat. The valve seat has a valve seat angle relative to a centerline of the longitudinal axis that is greater than an angle formed by the centerline and a line tangent to the ball poppet at the seated line contact position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Ross Operating Valve Company
    Inventor: Charles A. Weiler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7214103
    Abstract: A lead frame has slots therein for bayonet type connection to electrical terminals provided on a solenoid valve or group of valves. Projections on the lead frame are disposed between the slots and upon bayonet connection to the terminals closely interfit a web disposed between the terminals on the solenoid. Preferably, support stanchions are provided for the terminals and may be integrally molded with the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Tae-Kyung Kim, Kenneth J. Parker, Charles Chang, Nathan W. Kryglowski, Jeffrey S. Diller, Mark W. Hildebrandt, Thomas R. Hildebrandt, Randy R. Reamsma, Kelly M. Newby
  • Patent number: 7204273
    Abstract: A valve island that has a pilot fluid passageway located on the side of the sub-base is disclosed. The pilot fluid passageway is formed into one side of the sub-base and couples the front end of the sub-base with the back end of the sub-base. A gasket or sealing device may be used to help form a seal around the pilot fluid passageway when the sub-base is joined to a mating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Norgren, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter A. Zub, Jeffrey A. Gallegos
  • Patent number: 7204272
    Abstract: A modular manifold comprises a front cap, an end cap, and at least two adjoining port modules being securely sandwiched between the front and end caps. Each of the adjoining port modules comprises an internal channel adapted for fluid flow, and a side port in communication with the internal channel. The internal channels of the adjoining port modules define a common manifold channel. The side ports are aligned substantially in a linear fashion and adapted to provide access to the common manifold channel. The common manifold channel is accessed at one end via the front cap and sealed at another end via the end cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Micad Marine Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Ron Steinberg
  • Patent number: 7198063
    Abstract: A housing of a multi-path joint is divided into a plurality of blocks in correspondence with the number of lead-in ports, and a reverse-stop valve for preventing mixed fluid in the main path from flowing backward is provided between the lead-in ports and the main path. Each of the plurality of blocks formed by dividing the housing is provided with a connecting section for positioning when joining to adjacent blocks, and a holding unit is provided for connecting all the blocks in their respective connecting sections and maintaining a connected state between them. According to this multi-path joint, mixed fluid which flowing along the main path, does not flow backward to lead-in ports, and therefore, the atmosphere in the lead-in ports is stabilized. In addition, the multi-path joint is highly functional, being speedily adaptable to the number and shape of the paths on the lead-in port side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichi Abe
  • Patent number: 7198065
    Abstract: The invention concerns a valve arrangement (1) with at least two valve modules (2, 4, 5), each having a valve element, whose position can be changed by means of an actuator (13, 13a, 13b), and to which a position sensor (19, 19a, 19b) is allocated, a line arrangement (24) being connected with the valve modules (2, 4, 5), through which control signals can be transmitted to the valve modules (2, 4, 5). It is endeavoured to increase the safety of such valve modules. For this purpose, at each valve module (2 to 5) the actuator (13) is provided with a control device (22, 22a, 22b), which is connected with the position sensor (19, 19a, 19b) and evaluates control signals for the valve module (2 to 5) concerned, that at least the control device (22b) of a first valve module (5) additionally evaluates the control signals for another, second valve module (4), and that this control device (22b) receives signals from the position sensor (19a) of the second valve module (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss ApS
    Inventor: Jens Vester
  • Patent number: 7195037
    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: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventor: Paul G. Eidsmore
  • Patent number: 7191800
    Abstract: A fluid power controller device comprises a plurality of valve modules arranged sequentially in a row direction and collected together as an array-like unit, such modules comprising respectively a principal valve having at least one moving valve member and at least one electrically operated valve drive for the principal valve. At least two of the valve modules placed sequentially in the row direction are spaced from each other with the formation of an intermediate space. In such intermediate space a diagnostic module is placed for the detection of at least one operational state of one or both principal valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Michael Berner, Grzegorz Bogdanowicz
  • Patent number: 7182102
    Abstract: A module for in-line arrangement on at least one further module in a fluid power valve cluster (10) including modules placed in a row adjacent to one another in an in-line direction, comprising communicating means for communication with the at least one further module of the valve cluster (10). For the there is such that the means are designed as waveguide communication means (19, 21 and 23) for communication via a waveguide (14) of the valve cluster (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventor: Bernd Kärcher
  • Patent number: 7178556
    Abstract: A modular component connector substrate assembly for mounting thereon of at least one fluid control component, the assembly including at least two substrate blocks or one substrate block and an end block, all in fluid communication with each other via internal passages, with a separate fluid pressure connector fluidically interconnecting and fixedly spacing adjacent ones the substrate blocks and/or end blocks with adjacent substrate blocks, wherein the conduits connected by the pressure connector all being located in a common internal plane and thus being capable of extending in any of the compass directions (N,S,E,W) within this common plane. The bottom surfaces of the substrate and end plates abut mounting plates configured to the existing ANSI/ISA SP76 specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Edward Reid, II, Frank Anthony Ruiz, Claire Wang
  • Patent number: 7171985
    Abstract: In the case of a distributor module for valve clusters, which possess a principal valve supplied with pressure medium by way of a supply duct and at least one pilot control valve, serving for controlling same and supplied by way of at least one pilot control supply duct with pilot control pressure medium, the distributor module has a supply duct section and two pilot supply duct sections, which are able to be coupled with the supply duct or, respectively, with a respective pilot control duct of the valve cluster, an interface for the connection of the duct sections with each other, with which a control element is associated, which is so designed that different switching conditions may be set, in which the supply duct section and the pilot supply duct sections are differently put in circuit with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventor: Nikolaus Eltrop
  • Patent number: 7158372
    Abstract: In an electronic control unit, a chassis is provided with a plate portion, and a circuit board is secured to a board-side attaching surface of the plate portion with a predetermined space secured relative to the plate portion. The chassis is further provided with a side wall protruding from the circumferential portion of the other surface of the plate portion and is mounted on a surface of a housing incorporating a device therein, with an end surface of the side wall being seated on the surface of the housing. A bus bar is fixed at a fixing portion thereof to the board-side attaching surface between the plate portion and the circuit board and is connected to a terminal of the device which is taken out from the housing. The bus bar is provided at plural free ends thereof with branch portions at which lead portions extend to be joined at end portions thereof to the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Sanada, Takao Tsunooka, Matsuhisa Tsuruta