Vacuum-actuated Valves Patents (Class 137/907)
  • Patent number: 5890876
    Abstract: A control valve in a compressor that adjusts the discharge displacement based on controlling of an inclination of a cam plate. The compressor includes a supply passage for connecting a discharge chamber with a crank chamber. The control valve is placed midway on the supply passage for adjusting the amount of the gas introduced into the crank chamber from the discharge chamber. The control valve has a valve hole and a valve chamber respectively disposed midway on the supply passage. A valve body is located in the valve chamber to adjust the opening size of the valve hole. A reacting member reacts to the pressure in the first area. The reacting member moves the valve body via a first rod in accordance with the pressure in the first area. A solenoid is opposed to the reacting member with respect to the valve body. The solenoid has a fixed core, a plunger and a plunger chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho, NOK Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Suito, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Hiroshi Kubo, Tomohiko Yokono, Norio Uemura, Kazuaki Nagayoshi, Ichiro Hirata, Kouji Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5871027
    Abstract: A vacuum valve controller for a vacuum sewer system having a suction pipe which is communicated with a vacuum system by opening a vacuum valve, and which is cut off from the vacuum system by closing the vacuum valve, so that soil water in a soil water basin is sucked through the suction pipe and sent to a predetermined place by opening said vacuum valve is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Shimizu, Akihiro Ushitora
  • Patent number: 5829471
    Abstract: A valve particularly for vacuum drainage systems, comprising a valve housing (1) with an inlet (2), a through-flow part (11) and an outlet (3), and a device with an actuator for the opening and closing of the valve. The opening and closing device is a movable valve body (4) with a, relative to its axis, slightly inclined first sealing face stretching along the periphery of the valve body (4) up to a basically circular and, relative to the flow direction through the valve, vertical part comprising a second sealing face. The first sealing face is provided to rest against a corresponding inclined seat (16) being disposed on a projection in the valve housing and which seat is situated beyond the inner wall (36) of the through-flow part (11), and that the second sealing face is provided to be tightly resting against a corresponding circular, upper part (17) in the valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Inventor: Olav Hofseth
  • Patent number: 5822807
    Abstract: A suction relief apparatus for relieving suction at a suction connection of a swimming pool or spa having a main valve member movable from an open to a closed position to relieve suction at the suction connection in the event of a blockage of the suction connection in the pool. The main valve remains closed until a reset valve is opened, at which time a spring returns the main valve to the open condition, enabling suction to resume at the suction connection of the pool. A switch responsive to increased suction indicative of an obstruction may be utilized to deactivate a suction pump motor. In an alternative embodiment, a frangible member may replace the main valve and reset valves to open a connection to ambient air atmosphere in the event of increased suction in the suction line resulting from an obstruction at the suction connection in the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventors: Patrick J. Gallagher, Larry R. Mills
  • Patent number: 5775371
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to methods and structures for controlling a valve. One embodiment provides a valve control comprising a first valve fluidly connected with a first fluid conveying conduit and a second fluid conveying conduit. The first valve is movable between a first position where fluid communicates between the first fluid conveying conduit and the second fluid conveying conduit and a second position where fluid does not communicate between the first fluid conveying conduit and the second fluid conveying conduit. A first source of relatively increased pressure and a first source of relatively reduced pressure are provided. A third conduit fluidly connects the first source of relatively increased pressure and the first source of relatively reduced pressure with the first valve. A third valve is fluidly connected with the third conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Jeffrey Y. Pan, Donald Ver Lee
  • Patent number: 5737791
    Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner has a body which defines a liquid inlet and an outlet which is connected via a hose to a source of suction. A throat between the inlet and the outlet defines a region of reduced cross-sectional area, causing a zone of low pressure as liquid flows through the throat. A valve element in the form of a cylindrical shuttle is located in a bore which intersects the throat, and which can move into the throat to block it intermittently. An auxiliary suction passage connects the rear of the bore to the outlet, so that suction is applied to both ends of the shuttle, causing it to reciprocate in the bore, periodically obstructing the flow of liquid through the throat. This causes the cleaner to move across the submerged surface. The design of the cleaner makes it resistant to jamming due to objects being trapped between the valve element and the throat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Duilio Durigon
  • Patent number: 5720068
    Abstract: Automatic swimming pool cleaning systems are disclosed. The systems include an automatic swimming pool cleaner incorporating one or more curved wipers protruding from its lower surface. The wipers and flat bottom of the cleaner induce a vortex as fluid flows to its central inlet, entraining debris in the flow. A fluted throat surrounding the inlet additionally assists the interior of the base of the cleaner in retaining debris when opened for cleaning, additionally providing an improved flow path for enhanced debris pick-up. Also disclosed is a valve useful for controlling and indicating the rate of fluid flow to a cleaner. Included within the valve is a plunger attached to a spring, with the spring force opposing fluid flow through the valve. Flow sufficient to overcome the spring force compresses the spring, however, thereby moving the plunger within the tube and providing a dynamic indication of the rate of fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Baracuda International Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Clark, James D. Scott, II, Graham M. Barton, Chris A. Rice, Shawn M. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 5718564
    Abstract: A centrifugal pump is of the type having a diffuser (1) with upstream and downstream ends (1a, 1b), a delivery body (3) fixed to the downstream end and including a delivery chamber, a suction body (2) fixed to an upstream ends (1a) of said diffuser (1) and including a suction chamber. A jacket (8) is fixed between the suction body and said delivery body, defining a space within. The pump includes a multi-functional chamber communicating with said jacket, a first auxiliary outlet communicating between said multi-functional chamber communicating and said suction chamber, a second auxiliary outlet communicating between said multi-functional chamber communicating and the external space, and outlet plugs for opening and closing the two outlets independently of one another. The pump is suitable for different pumping functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Nocchi Pompe S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giorgio Nocchi
  • Patent number: 5718211
    Abstract: In an exhaust gas recirculation valve for and internal combustion engine, a valve housing is a short straight length of cylindrical tube (12,62,72), a valve seal (18) comprises a cylindrical bush is an interference fit in the straight housing between the two ends and is fixed in place by crimping, welding or brazing, an actuator (14) is responsive to inlet manifold suction, a valve member (30,32) cooperates with the seat to control the passage of exhaust gases through the valve in response to the actuator. The valve also has a lateral gas outlet aperture (20) in the tube wall on the outlet side of the valve seat and a length of exhaust gas recirculation tubing (24) connected thereto for recirculating gases to the induction side of the engine, and a gas inlet (22) to the housing to the inlet side of the valve seat for receiving engine exhaust gases whose recirculation is to be controlled by the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Shalibane PLC
    Inventors: John Anthony Sidney Halsall, David Michael Snare
  • Patent number: 5719609
    Abstract: A fail-safe, stop valve for an ink-jet print head in a pressurized ink delivery system. The stop valve is actuated by a back pressure regulator if the operating pressure of the print head approaches atmospheric pressure during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Mark Hauck, Ronald W. Hall
  • Patent number: 5691753
    Abstract: A valving connector used in a thermal ink-jet printer for filling and draining ink from a manifold of the printbar. The valving connector has two positions depending on the operation of the printer. In the first position, the top portion of the manifold is filled with air, and the bottom portion of the manifold is connected to a vacuum. The ink is drained from the manifold until empty, then the printbar can be removed and replaced. In the second position, the top portion of a manifold is connected to the vacuum and the bottom portion of the manifold is connected to the ink supply. In this second position, the manifold is supplied with ink during printing operations. An ink handling system with such a valving connector delivers ink to the printbar on demand. The ink handling system has a replaceable ink supply and a diaphragm valve to regulate the flow of ink to the manifold. A needle assembly extracts ink from the ink supply and delivers the ink to the diaphragm valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Brian S. Hilton
  • Patent number: 5687760
    Abstract: A regulator including a movably, preferably hingedly, mounted member having a distal face, exposed to a reference pressure, and a frontal face, exposed to fluid passing through the regulator. Attached to the member is a structure that variably impedes fluid flowing through the regulator. The amount that this structure impedes the fluid flow varies as a function of the difference between the pressure of fluid on the frontal face of the member and the reference pressure. The impeder may be an integral part of the piston extending into the path of the fluid flowing through the regulator, or it may be a separate structure attached to the member. As the member moves in response to changes in pressure differential across the piston, each movable segment is displaced with respect to its corresponding fixed segment. As the corresponding segments are further displaced with respect to each other, the impedance to flow increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: David W. Palmer
  • Patent number: 5682624
    Abstract: A method and device are provided for preventing a child or an object from being trapped by suction to a drain of a swimming pool filter pump system. The invention entails a safety valve capable of causing the filter pump to immediately lose its prime when a child or object becomes trapped against the drain of a swimming pool, so that the vacuum created by the filter pump is completely eliminated. The valve of this invention can be mounted directly to a suction line fluidically interconnecting the drain and the filter pump, and is constructed to permit air to rapidly flow into the suction line if a predetermined vacuum level is exceeded within the suction line, as is the case if the drain becomes partially or completely obstructed. The influx of air causes the filter pump to rapidly lose its prime, thereby completely eliminating the vacuum and the resulting hazardous condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Michael James Ciochetti
  • Patent number: 5673670
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a "returnless" fuel system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. A "series-pass" fuel pressure regulator in the system provides fuel of a regulated pressure to a fuel rail comprising at least one fuel injector. A "bypass" fuel pressure regulator provides fuel with a regulated pressure to the series pass regulator. An in-line fuel filter is located downstream from the bypass regulator, such that only the fuel which reaches the series-pass regulator is filtered. A check valve is located downstream from the bypass regulator as well, to prevent fuel pressure bleed-down through the fuel pump and the bypass regulator. A pressure relief valve is coupled to allow fuel with a pressure above a predetermined value to flow around the check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Alvin Arthur Powell, James Witherspoon Mitchell, Jr., Robert Eugene Wattleworth, Kyle Lance Petrich, Brian Michael Blanton
  • Patent number: 5669419
    Abstract: An electronic gas regulator is connected to a gas cylinder or other vessel to automatically measure and control the flow of gas to a desired application. Control and set up is accomplished through microprocessor based electronics, switches, sensors, encoders, indicators and electronic numeric display. Sensors, microprocessors and other electronics are thus provided in a single common apparatus to monitor and accurately dispense gas for a predetermined operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Keystone Machine and Tool Co.
    Inventor: Jon H. Haas
  • Patent number: 5665894
    Abstract: An instrument calibrating demand flow regulator for providing a demanded amount of calibration gas from a calibration gas source to an instrument to be calibrated to permit calibration of the instrument includes a housing having an interior, an inlet for connection to the calibration gas source and an outlet for connection to the instrument to be calibrated. A pressure regulating valve device positioned within the interior of the housing regulates the pressure of the calibrated gas entering the interior of the housing through the inlet and a demand flow valve device delivers calibration gas to the outlet of the housing upon demand by a pump operatively associated with the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Air Liquide America Corporation
    Inventor: George D. Baker
  • Patent number: 5660204
    Abstract: An improved valve is provided for blanketing and maintaining the vapor space of a tank with inert gas at a set pressure. The valve is of the type that incorporates a pilot valve that operates in response to sensed tank vapor space gas pressure. The opening and closing of the pilot valve controls the opening and closing of an associated main valve which admits pressurized inert gas into the tank from an inert gas supply to maintain the tank set pressure. The valve permits one to externally adjust internal components of the pilot valve after valve assembly. Also, the valve provides for pressure balanced operation that achieves a consistent opening pressure over the allowable range of inlet gas supply pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: The Protectoseal Company
    Inventors: Thomas C. Piotrowski, William Zehr, Scott R. Diaz
  • Patent number: 5657784
    Abstract: A control arrangement (10) for a shut-off valve actuable by vacuum and intended for use in vacuum waste water systems, comprising a first valve (14) which is actuated by static pressure of collected waste water, and including a chamber (56) which can be put under vacuum via the first valve, whereby a second valve (20), charged by a spring (71), is abruptly opened when the pressure in the chamber drops below a preset level, so that vacuum reaches the shut-off valve and opens it, and, in case static pressure is reduced, the first valve closes and the chamber is gradually ventilated until the pressure in this chamber reaches a preset level at which the second valve and in turn the shut-off valve abruptly close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Roediger Anlagenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Martens
  • Patent number: 5653251
    Abstract: A linear sheath valve having a valve platform and a conforming cover. The valve platform can have inlet and outlet channels to carry liquid into and out of the valve. An elastomeric membrane is held under tension between the cover and the valve platform so as to control the flow of liquid between channels. The cover includes an expansion area on the cover surface adjacent to the membrane and between the inlet and outlet. Liquid flows through the valve when it is drawn by a vacuum. The vacuum operates on both the flow path exit, but also above the membrane, lifting it to open the flow path. Discontinuance of the vacuum allows the membrane to seal the inlet and outlet, thus again preventing any flow between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Reseal International Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Michael D. Handler
  • Patent number: 5634490
    Abstract: To control the flow of air into and/or out of a process chamber, such as a clean room, a two-stage system is disposed in conduits leading into and/or out of the process-chamber. One stage includes a regulator, having a plenum (7) disposed between the environment the vacuum source. The regulator maintains in the plenum a pressure that is between the pressures of the environment and the source and that is a constant amount different from the environment's pressure. The regulator includes a piston (5) having a frontal face (52) exposed to air in the plenum flowing between the environment and the vacuum source, and a distal face (51) exposed to the environment's pressure. The piston is mounted so as to variably impede the flow of air through the regulator and so that the weight of the piston tends to move the piston in a direction so as to lessen the piston's impedance on the air flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: David W. Palmer
  • Patent number: 5634494
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control arrangement (10) for a shutoff valve, actuated by application of negative pressure, for use in a negative pressure wastewater system. The control arrangement includes a chamber (28) in which a main piston (22) is displaced as a function of negative pressure and a driver by way of which valves (70, 72) are actuated so as to operate independently of each other; the valves (70, 72) transmit or inhibit negative pressure to open or close a wastewater aspiration valve and a ventilation valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Roediger Anlagenbau-GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Martens
  • Patent number: 5628490
    Abstract: A retrofittable, manually-actuated control valve kit for use in controlling the flow of water from a lavatory tap includes a valve assembly and an actuator assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve movable between flow-blocking and flow-permitting positions, a spring for biasing the valve toward the flow-blocking position, and a valve opening mechanism for opening the valve against the force of the spring in the presence of a predetermined pneumatic pressure in the opening mechanism and for relieving the predetermined pressure to release the valve for movement to the flow-blocking position. The actuator assembly supplies pneumatic pressure to the opening mechanism of the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Metcraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel H. Roberts, Vincent J. Boreas, Charles A. Palmer
  • Patent number: 5626516
    Abstract: The invention is a flow control for a ventilation duct. It includes a movable panel which is attached to a variable volume reservoir. The application of vacuum to the reservoir controls the angular position of the door and the volume of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Phillips Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Francis C. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5593596
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for collecting cutting fluid and chips from a number of machine tools and includes a series of sumps each collecting chips and fluid at a particular machine tool, and a central sealed collection tank drawing from all of the sumps by drawpipes inserted in each sump. A single large capacity pump pumps to filtration equipment, with a predetermined vacuum level maintained in the tank by opening and closing an outlet valve between the pump and the filtration equipment. A level switch at each sump causes intermittent opening of an associated valve causing each sump to be placed in communication with the vacuum in the collection tank, and random opening of the valves causes individual sumps to be emptied by the full suction at the collection tank. The drawpipes are equipped with antivortex end shapes to allow rapid evacuation without drawing air into the system. A vacuum pump removes excess air accumulating in the collection tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Jack R. Bratten
  • Patent number: 5588458
    Abstract: A vacuum valve controller for a vacuum sewer system including a suction pipe (12) which is communicated with a vacuum system (15) by opening a vacuum valve (14), and which is cut off from the vacuum system by closing the vacuum valve (14) is disclosed. Soil water in a soil water basin (10) is sucked through the suction pipe (12) and sent to a predetermined place by opening the vacuum valve (14). The vacuum valve controller is provided with a control device (20) which closes the vacuum valve (14) by detecting that the suction pipe has begun to suck air from a change of the pressure difference between two points (16 and 17) in the suction pipe (12) which are different in height from each other, which provide a vacuum valve controller for a vacuum sewer system, which is simple in structure, easy to maintain and capable of stable operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Ushitora, Osamu Shimizu
  • Patent number: 5582203
    Abstract: A regulator for maintaining a constant partial vacuum in a region, such as in a piece of process equipment or a fume hood. The regulator includes a path, through which fluid passes from the region to the vacuum source, and a movably mounted piston having a frontal face, which is exposed to fluid in the path, and a distal face, which is exposed to a reference pressure, such as the pressure of the environment in which the equipment is located. The piston is disposed in the path so that the piston may constrict the path at a constriction point. Fluid in the path upstream of the constriction point exerts a pressure on the frontal face of the piston that tends widen the path at the constriction point. The piston is mounted so that the weight of the piston exerts a force on the piston in a direction that tends to widen the path at the constriction point. A force is exerted on the piston, preferably by a spring under compression, in a direction that tends to narrow the path at the constriction point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: David W. Palmer
  • Patent number: 5570715
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing waterlogging of the sensor and controller valves used to regulate operation of the vacuum interface valve in a sump vented vacuum sewerage system. A float valve operates in accordance with the sewage level in a sump pit and communicates atmospheric pressure to the sensor and controller valves while the sewage level is below a predetermined limit, but closes passage of sewage therethrough once the sewage level exceeds the predetermined limit. A pressure-relief valve may also be operatively connected to the float valve that vents excessive hydrostatic pressure buildups in the sump pit to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Airvac, Inc.
    Inventors: Burton A. Featheringill, John M. Grooms
  • Patent number: 5570713
    Abstract: A flow control weir valve and method of operating the valve is disclosed. The valve has an inlet, an outlet, a bypass inlet, a pivoting cover and a mechanism for controlling the cover in order to provide a relief flow through the valve. The cover is continuously forced to a first, closed position by one or more resilient springs or other flexible force producing mechanisms. When fluid flows within the valve, the closing force generated by the springs may be overcome by the low pressure generated within the valve, which thus allows the ambient environment to force the cover at least partially open once the fluid flow rate passes a threshold value. A step in the body of the valve can be used to interrupt the fluid flow and create a Venturi effect for further assisting the cover to open. The cover is sufficiently responsive to allow a relief flow through the bypass inlet that satisfies rapid and wide-ranging pressure variations created within a cleaning system to which the valve may be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Baracuda International Corporation
    Inventors: Gerhardus J. Stoltz, Ronald J. Sargent, Shawn M. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 5537820
    Abstract: A piston end position limiter for a free piston machine of the type having a piston sealingly reciprocating in a cylinder and separating a work space bounded at one end of the piston from a second space bounded at the opposite end of the piston. The work space and the second space contain a working fluid having an average pressure. A first valve is connected in communication between a fluid reservoir and the work space and is adapted to open only when the working fluid pressure varies sufficiently in one direction from its average pressure. A second position responsive valve is connected between the reservoir and the second space and is operatively linked to the piston for opening in response to the piston reaching a selected end limit of its reciprocation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Sunpower, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Beale, Nicholas R. van der Walt, Reuven Z. Unger
  • Patent number: 5533488
    Abstract: A vacuum sustaining valve (VSV) for temporarily sustaining at least some engine intake manifold vacuum to an EGR valve when engine intake manifold vacuum falls below a predetermined value. The VSV has an inlet port, an outlet port, and a flow path between the two ports. A check valve is disposed with the flow path and is selectively positioned in accordance with manifold vacuum. When manifold vacuum is above a predetermined magnitude, the check valve is positioned to allow bi-directional flow between the two ports. When manifold vacuum is below the predetermined magnitude, the check valve is positioned to function as a check that allows vacuum to pass from the inlet port to the outlet port, but not in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Siemens Electric Ltd.
    Inventors: John E. Cook, Paul D. Perry
  • Patent number: 5524592
    Abstract: A flow control valve for an internal combustion engine fuel delivery system that includes a valve body having a fuel inlet for connection to a fuel supply and a fuel outlet for connection to the fuel pump, so that the pump can draw fuel under vacuum from the supply through the valve and deliver fuel to an engine. A valve element is disposed within the valve body between the inlet and the outlet, and springs urge the valve element to a closed position within the valve body. A diaphragm is also disposed within the valve body between the valve element and the fuel outlet, and is coupled to the valve element such that suction vacuum applied by a fuel pump to the valve body outlet operates the diaphragm to open the valve element against forces applied by the valve springs to permit flow of fuel from the supply through the valve to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Walbro Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Woody, Kenneth J. Cotton
  • Patent number: 5518436
    Abstract: A stretchable toy figure which preferably has the ability to be altered from a first, unposable state to a second, posable state by reducing the pressure on the interior of the toy figure. The reduced pressure can also preferably alter the appearance of the toy figure. A manifold assembly for reducing the pressure on the interior of a toy figure includes two one-way valves. A valve through which air may be removed from the interior of the manifold includes a knob adapted to be associated with a device for reducing pressure. A second valve, when opened by a switch, allows air to enter the interior of the manifold when the pressure therein is below ambient pressure. The toy figure can alternatively utilize a single, two-way valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Cap Toys Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce D. Lund, Robert H. Yeager
  • Patent number: 5478216
    Abstract: A hand-held vacuum pump with an attached vacuum limiter valve is disclosed. The pump includes a cylinder coupled with a handle, a piston in the cylinder coupled with another handle, along with a suitable valving assembly for allowing a vacuum to be drawn at an inlet of the pump. More particularly, there is also disclosed a vacuum limiter which can be attached to or form an integral part of the pump. The vacuum limiter includes a valve which is attached to the cylinder outlet port and which is adjustable for allowing the limit vacuum to be set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: Theodore C. Neward
  • Patent number: 5466380
    Abstract: A sump system and method for collecting liquid from a number of locations includes a series of sumps each collecting liquid at a particular location, and a central sealed collection tank drawing liquid from all of the sumps by overhead draw pipes. A single large capacity pump pumps liquid back to filtration equipment, with a predetermined vacuum level maintained in the tank by opening and closing an outlet valve between the pump and the filtration equipment. The collection tank may be initially filled from an overhead clean supply header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Inventor: Jack R. Bratten
  • Patent number: 5454421
    Abstract: The device is designed for a valve with or without a residual-pressure valve element and is intended to fill the bottle and to create a vacuum therein, optionally through the residual-pressure valve element.It includes a rotary axial shaft (56) with an eccentric tip (58) intended to lift the residual-pressure valve element by rotation of the shaft (56). The rotation of the shaft (56) is brought about by a pneumatic piston (72) which is automatically actuated by connecting the device to a vacuum pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Luxembourg Patent Company S.A.
    Inventors: Leon Kerger, Paul Kremer
  • Patent number: 5421366
    Abstract: A composite check valve and positively closing electromagnetic solenoid valve, particularly such a valve for regulating the introduction of secondary air into the exhaust stream of an internal combustion engine at selected times during the operation of the engine. The valve comprises an inlet port, an outlet port, a first valve element movable between open and closed positions for nominally regulating the flow of a fluid between the inlet and outlet ports, and an electromagnetic solenoid having a closure element for overriding the first element. The rigid disk or closure element can function by seating against the same seat as the first element, or by "latching" the first element in its closed position. The disclosed embodiment is a flap valve which is modified by superimposing a rigid, movable valve disk over the flap. The rigid disk is connected to the solenoid armature and is movable between an override (closed) position and a disengaged (open) position when the solenoid is energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee A. Naffziger, Thomas D. Herrington
  • Patent number: 5411375
    Abstract: An intake control valve for a screw-type compressor is built into the intake line, which it alternatingly opens or closes. The intake control valve, designed as a double seat valve, has a locking body (17), to which are assigned two opposing valve seats, namely a return flow seat (7) and an intake seat (9). Upon starting the screw-type compressor, the locking body (17) is pulled onto the intake seat (9) by means of the resulting intake pressure. As soon as a specific operating pressure is reached, the locking body (17) is lifted from the intake seat (9) by means of the pressure medium by way of a control cylinder (10) with a control piston (11) and moved into an intermediate position between its two seats (7, 9), so that the screw-type compressor can totally transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Hoerbiger Ventilwerke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Friedrich Bauer
  • Patent number: 5409035
    Abstract: A fuel supply system for supplying fuel from a fuel source to an internal combustion engine includes a valve assembly having a shut-off valve automatically responsive to negative pressures transmitted from an engine. The shutoff valve is diaphragm responsive and moves in the same direction as the flow of fuel in order close the valve assembly, thereby retaining the content of a fuel receptacle infinitely. The shutoff valve is adapted to withstand pressures which may develop in a fuel receptacle without opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Tillotson, Ltd.
    Inventors: William A. Scott, Gary L. Baumbarger
  • Patent number: 5377895
    Abstract: A vacuum actuated solder sucker device having a body chamber in which a vacuum is created by a vacuum source attached thereto and a cover chamber separated from the body chamber by a piston. The piston drives a primary air valve which controls the passage of air through a passageway between the body chamber and a nozzle. In a first position the primary air valve permits the application of the vacuum to the nozzle portion, and in a second position the primary air valve permits the vacuum to be reestablished within the body chamber. The primary air valve is actuated by pressure differential across the piston which is controlled by a user who covers or uncovers a bleed hole. Air pressure equalizes between the body and cover chambers through a bleed tube through the piston. The nominal pressure of the cover chamber portion in one embodiment is controlled by an adjustable bleed valve which can restrict the maximum flow of air through the bleed hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: C. Johan Masreliez
  • Patent number: 5351709
    Abstract: A control valve for use in a swimming pool containing an automatic pool cleaner is described. The valve comprises a main water passage having an inlet port in a cranked inlet portion and an outlet port. A valve chamber extends from the main passage. It has a relief valve and an outlet through its side wall. A by-pass passage connects the outlet to the main water passage. A valve member sensitive to the pressure in the by-pass passage is located within the chamber and is biassed by a spring into a closed position to close off the relief port. When the pressure in the by pass passage falls, the valve member is drawn into the open position in which it controls the opening of both the relief valve and the outlet in dependence upon its position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Prelude Pool Products C C
    Inventor: Richard V. Vos
  • Patent number: 5337790
    Abstract: An assembly for controlling an exhaust gas recirculation valve for an internal combustion engine, including a vacuum regulator with an inlet adapted to be connected to a vacuum source, and a solenoid valve with an inlet connected to the outlet of the vacuum regulator and with an outlet arranged to be connected to the control inlet of the recirculation valve to furnish a vacuum to the control inlet as a function of an electrical control signal of the solenoid valve. The body of the vacuum regulator is formed of a single part with the closure cap of the body of the solenoid valve, and a conduit formed in the part communicates the interior of the body of the vacuum regulator with the interior of the body of the solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Sagem Allumage
    Inventors: Pierre Heritier-Best, Isabelle Brault, Bernard Judelle
  • Patent number: 5326069
    Abstract: A vacuum toilet system for efficient transport of waste material from a toilet bowl to a collection station by means of differential pressure, comprising an actuator button, a discharge valve, a water valve, and a controller valve. The various valves are simple in construction and operate on the basis of pneumatic pressure. The system is compact enough to fit into the cabinet of a conventional toilet fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Burton Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Clear, John M. Grooms
  • Patent number: 5320124
    Abstract: A regulator, which may be used to regulate in a remote region a constant partial vacuum. The regulator controls the flow of gas from an environment, through a region and to an evacuation means. The regulator's fluid path is bounded on opposite sides by two plates, which may be hingedly mounted, so that the two plates are substantially parallel to each other. Each of the plates have a conduit side, facing the fluid path, and a side facing a reference pressure. The first plate's reference-pressure side may be exposed to the region's pressure, and the second plate's reference-pressure side may be exposed to the environment's pressure. The regulator also includes an impeder attached to the plates for variably impeding the flow through the path based on the position of the plates. Preferably, the impeder includes a fixed grate and a movable grate. The fixed grate does not move with respect to the path. The movable grate is hingedly attached to the plates at points distal from the pivot points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Inventor: David W. Palmer
  • Patent number: 5320128
    Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a gas chlorinator with reduced number of components, having a chlorinator housing consisting of a front and a back body forming an interior cavity, a diaphragm assembly disposed between the front and back body dividing the cavity into a front chamber and a back chamber, a chlorine inlet in the back body connecting the back chamber with a chlorine source, a chlorine flow valve in the inlet in operative engagement with the diaphragm assembly for controlling flow of chlorine into the back chamber, a chlorine outlet connecting the back chamber with a vacuum source for activating the diaphragm assembly to supply chlorine to the vacuum source via the chlorine inlet and the flow valve. According to a further feature, the gas chlorinator has matching screw threads formed in the front and back body for threadedly joining the front and back body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Chlorinators Incorporated
    Inventor: Christian D. Talbert
  • Patent number: 5297578
    Abstract: A fuel supply system for supplying fuel from a fuel source to an internal combustion engine includes a valve assembly having a shut-off valve automatically responsive to negative pressures transmitted from an engine. The shutoff valve is diaphragm responsive and moves in the same direction as the flow of fuel in order close the valve assembly, thereby retaining the content of a fuel receptacle infinitely. The shutoff valve is adapted to withstand pressures which may develop in a fuel receptacle without opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Tillotson, Ltd.
    Inventors: William A. Scott, Gary L. Baumbarger
  • Patent number: 5291916
    Abstract: A check valve which is positioned in the vacuum air line of an internal combustion engine. The check valve includes a single-piece valve body having an outlet port and two or more inlet ports, with one outlet port located substantially in line with the inlet port and connected by a venturi tube. The second inlet port is separated from the main air flow line by the valve stem and a diaphragm which allows communication there between and prevents back pressure. The second inlet port communicates with the outlet port through the valve stem and a second venturi tube which provides a vacuum boost to a device, usually vehicle brakes, connected to the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Kloosterman, John Barlow
  • Patent number: 5284180
    Abstract: A low-energy-consuming apparatus and method for controlling vacuum levels in machine milking and other vacuum systems subject to air leakage utilizes in combination a high vacuum reserve, a low-vacuum end (pipelines), a dual vacuum controller positioned between the high-vacuum reserve and the low-vacuum end and an adjustable speed drive (ASD) motor on a vacuum pump to regulate the delivered air to match the air usage in the low-vacuum end. The dual vacuum controller senses vacuum disturbances in the low-vacuum end and adjusts the flow rate of air from the low-vacuum end to the high-vacuum reserve rather than using external air makeup, thus providing a controlled vacuum with minimum pressure variance and energy input. Energy savings and demand reduction of about 50 percent (50%) during milking are realized under the new system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Fangjiang Guo, Roger A. Pellerin, David C. Ludington, Daniel J. Aneshansley
  • Patent number: 5277397
    Abstract: A bladder type damper assembly formed of a flexible envelope of fluid impermeable plastic material incorporating an insert made of two segments of rigid sheet material joined in hinged relation at one edge and moveable between a flat association and a preselected open angular orientation. The fluid conformable portion of the bladder envelope between the open edges of the insert segments provides a folding region in the form of a valley configuration provided by seaming the two overlapping layers of the bladder between the two insert segments when folded in flat relation. The seam is formed by applying heat and pressure to the two bladder layers through an opening in one or both of the insert segments with separator material appropriately placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Jerry J. Tartaglino
  • Patent number: 5269337
    Abstract: A water control apparatus having a main valve, a main valve control, and a step-wise valve. A moisture sensor is connected to the valve control. In response to the moisture sensor, the valve control opens or closes the main valve. When the main valve opens, sufficient water pressure must be present for the step-wise valve to open. When said step-wise valve opens, water flows through it and to a water distribution device that makes the moisture sensor moist. When the moisture sensor is sufficiently moist, the valve control turns the main valve off. With the main valve off, the lack of water pressure closes the step-wise valve. The step-wise valve opens at a higher water pressure threshold and closes at a lower water pressure threshold. The decrease in pressure arising from the opening of the step-wise valve is insufficient to close it. The water control apparatus is powered by water flow and is otherwise self-sufficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Aaron Goldsmith
  • Patent number: 5238217
    Abstract: A hose clamp (50) for a hose (18), inside which a different pressure prevails from that of its environment, and having two arms (28, 30) between which said hose (18) may be squeezed with different forces and thus the hose cross-section may be closed, is characterized in that the two arms (28, 30) are mutually movable transversely to the longitudinal axis of the hose (18), a bellows-like body (38) is arranged between the two arms (28, 30) in such a way that, by the expansion and compression of said body (38), the arms (28, 30) are movable in relation to each other and thus the hose (18) may be compressed to differing degrees, and the inside of the bellows-like body (38) may be connected to the hose (18) via a subsidiary line (48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: MEDINORM Aktiengesellschaft medizintechnische Produkte
    Inventor: Helmut Fell