Self-proportioning Flow Systems Patents (Class 137/98)
  • Publication number: 20130014828
    Abstract: Methods of controllably creating three-dimensional (3D) combined-flow-interface patterns in multi-lane fluidic devices, and systems, apparatuses and software therefor. In one example, the 3D-pattern is created and varied as a function of one or more of the geometry of the inlets to a main fluidic channel in which the 3D-pattern is formed, the Reynolds number of the flows, the dimensions of the main fluidic channel and the inlets, and the spacing of adjacent inlets. In one embodiment particularly disclosed, differing 3D combined-flow-interface patterns are created using a three-lane fluidic device having a fixed inlet geometry. In another embodiment particularly disclosed, differing 3D combined-flow-interface patterns are created using a five-lane fluidic device having a fixed inlet geometry that can be used to effectively mimic variable inlet geometries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yong Tae Kim, William C. Messner, Philip R. LeDuc
  • Patent number: 8349038
    Abstract: A system is shown for injecting a chemical, such as an odorant, from a chemical supply into a fluid containing system such as a natural gas pipeline or an LPG pipeline. A tank of odorant is maintained at a pressure above ambient, but below the pressure of the pipeline. An injection conduit communicates the odorant tank with the pipeline. A hydraulic pressure booster is located in the injection conduit for pressurizing the chemical to a pressure above that of the pipeline, the hydraulic booster having a first side which communicates with the chemical in the injection conduit and another, isolated side which is exposed to hydraulic pressure but which is isolated from the chemical being injected. A flow control valve may be located within the injection conduit for metering chemical to be injected into the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sentry Equipment Corp.
    Inventor: Mark Zeck
  • Patent number: 8307902
    Abstract: A downhole flow control tool 1, includes a flow control member in the form of a sleeve 8, and comprises a main body 2 having a longitudinal internal bore 3 extending therethrough, an upper end 4 having a box section 6, and a lower end 5 with a pin section 7, which enable connection of the tool 1 into a work string. The flow control sleeve 8 is mounted for movement relative to the bore 3 between at least a closed and one of several open positions. The tool body 2 includes several flow ports extending through a wall of the body 2 and spaced around a circumference of the body 2. The tool provides multiple fluid flow control options for directing and splitting fluid flow for example during a drilling operation to clear settled cuttings by suitable location of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Specialised Petroleum Services Group Limited
    Inventor: George Telfer
  • Patent number: 8267111
    Abstract: A temperature controlling valve includes a housing and a valve core installed in the valve core, the housing including a fist end wall having a first limiting elements and a second end wall having a second limiting element, and the first and the second limiting elements being fixed to fourth openings on two ends of the valve core to decrease cross sectional areas of the fourth openings for flowing the cold and the hot waters to be less than cross sectional areas of first and second inlets to flow the cold and the hot waters of the housing, such that a pressure in the valve core is gathered well to sense a pressure difference between the cold and the hot waters precisely and balance the pressure difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Chaota Yang
  • Publication number: 20120192959
    Abstract: The windscreen wiper water system specified for all types of motor vehicle comprises a water collection device (1) for collecting rain water or car wash water falling onto the motor vehicle as collected water, means (4) for filtering and purifying collected water, a wiper-wash container (5), a supply line (2) for feeding the collected water to the wiper-wash container (5) and means (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14) for producing a mixture of wiper-wash water and anti-freeze, depending on the outside temperature, for cleaning vehicle windscreens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicants: FROTEK-Vermogensverwaltung GmbH, Rienhold WEIN
    Inventors: Reinhold Wein, Friedhelm Bednarz
  • Publication number: 20120167999
    Abstract: A temperature controlling valve contains a body including a cylindrical chamber, a first opening, a second opening, a first inflow channel, and a second inflow channel; a sleeve member retained in the chamber and including at least one first orifice and second orifice; a first cover to close the first opening; a second cover applied to close the second opening; a valve core fitted into the sleeve member, wherein the first cover includes a first projected portion with a first guide tunnel; the first guide tunnel includes a first axial flowing section and a first longitudinal flowing section; the first projected portion includes a first circular back pressure fence; the second cover includes a second projected portion with a second guide tunnel; the second guide tunnel includes a second axial flowing section and a second longitudinal flowing section; the second projected portion includes a second circular back pressure fence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Tsungyi Lo, Mingchia Wu, Weilong Cheng
  • Patent number: 8162068
    Abstract: A pilot valve assembly for regulating the output of a first pressure source relative to a second pressure source, a fluid system equipped with the valve assembly, and a method of operating the valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve body with inlet and outlet ports and first and second sensing ports. The first and second sensing ports are adapted to sense, respectively, the fluid pressures of the first and second pressure sources. The inlet port is adapted for fluidically connecting to the first pressure source. The valve assembly defines a flow path between the inlet and outlet ports, and has components for allowing fluid flow from the inlet port, through the flow path, and to the outlet port only if the fluid pressure of the first pressure source exceeds the fluid pressure of the second pressure source by a differential by the flow-allowing components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Vanair Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff Rohl
  • Publication number: 20120080094
    Abstract: A method and device for feeding a presettable measurement quantity of a sample liquid from a liquid reservoir via a feed line through a switching valve into a temporary store in order subsequently, after actuation of the switching valve, to feed the sample liquid to an analytical measuring instrument where the sample liquid is conveyed into the temporary store until further conveying of the sample liquid is terminated and the switching valve is actuated by evaluation of a characteristic quantity, wherein a flow rate of the sample liquid is determined at a time at which a first proportion of the sample liquid has already flowed through the switching valve, and the switching valve is actuated as a function of the flow rate determined and a switching delay determined in advance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: MERK PATENT GMBH
    Inventor: Michael MARTIN
  • Publication number: 20120036866
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for supplying fuel to an auxiliary power unit of an aircraft. The system includes a primary fuel source, a secondary fuel source, and a secondary valve. The primary fuel source is in fluid communication with the auxiliary power unit to provide a primary fuel thereto. Similarly, the secondary fuel source is in fluid communication with the auxiliary power unit to provide a secondary fuel thereto. The secondary valve regulates flow of the secondary fuel from the secondary fuel source to the auxiliary power unit. The method provides a secondary fuel from a secondary fuel source to the auxiliary power unit if an emergency operating condition experienced by the aircraft results from either exhaustion or contamination of a primary fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Adam M. Finney
  • Publication number: 20110318209
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for combining fluids of different pressures and flow rates in, for example, gas gathering systems, gas wells, and other areas in which independently powered compressors are not desired. Methods, devices, and systems for turning a shaft are also provided, as are methods, devices, and systems for dropping pressure in a gas line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: BLUE MARBLE ENGINEERING LLC
    Inventors: Philip Allard, Stanley D. Benham
  • Publication number: 20110284311
    Abstract: A steering system includes a fluid pump and an electro-hydraulic steering circuit in selective fluid communication with the fluid pump. The electro-hydraulic steering circuit defines a first flow path having a first proportional valve and a first load-sense passage in selective communication with the first proportional valve. The first proportional valve includes a closed position. A hydrostatic steering circuit is in selective fluid communication with the fluid pump and defines a second flow path having a second proportional valve and a second load-sense passage in selective fluid communication with the second proportional valve. The second flow path is in a parallel flow configuration with the first flow path. An isolation valve is disposed in the first flow path in series with the first proportional valve. The isolation valve includes a closed position and is piloted to the closed position by fluid communicated through the second load-sense passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Cadman, Nathan Harold French, Wade Leo Gehlhoff, Robin Francis Ireton
  • Publication number: 20110139266
    Abstract: A flow splitter for accurately dividing fluid flow into different outlets includes a splitter valve and a calibration member. The calibration member blocks a portion of fluid flow to reduce differences in the divided fluid flows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Tomas R. Leutwiler, Glenn Gradischer, Anthony Towne, Richard H. Bostiga
  • Publication number: 20110120569
    Abstract: A fuel tank system for gasoline or flexible gasoline/ethanol powered vehicles that use independently controlled direct ethanol injection to provide a large on-demand octane boost is disclosed. The on-demand octane boost is used when needed to prevent knock. The ethanol can be in the form of 100% ethanol or E85 (a 85% ethanol, 15% gasoline mixture) and is stored in a second tank that is separate from the tank that which contains the primary fuel. The primary fuel can be gasoline, E85, ethanol or a mix of these fuels. The fuel tank system enables convenient, quick, flexible and minimal cost refueling of the separate fuel tank. A range of fueling options is available to provide the driver with the maximum freedom to choose fuels depending upon price and availability. Valves may be utilized to direct the flow in fuel to the various tanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: ETHANOL BOOSTING SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Leslie Bromberg, Daniel Cohn
  • Publication number: 20110108132
    Abstract: The invention pertains to reaction systems in which at least one capillary unit is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: AVANTIUM HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Roelandus Hendrikus Wilhelmus Moonen, Emilio Rene' Bodenstaff, Martin Smit
  • Patent number: 7918241
    Abstract: A control valve for a faucet includes a valve housing, a hollow valve seat, two sealing gaskets, at least one water outlet channel, a rotation plate, a control unit, two mounting seats, a fixed sleeve, and a movable sleeve. Thus, the movable sleeve is movable in the fixed sleeve to control the water flow rate of the mixed cold and hot water to the optimum value to regulate and stabilize the water pressure automatically so as to provide a pressure balance effect so that the mixed water flowing from the water outlet channel is kept at a constant temperature, thereby providing a comfortable sensation to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Hain Yo Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Po Chang
  • Publication number: 20110036416
    Abstract: Device for equalizing a liquid flow in a flow taking place through a device formed of at least two liquid-moving elements located on shafts (10, 11), in which case the flow channel is formed of a hollow shaft (10), a flow opening (16) in Hs wall and a flow groove (14) for leading the liquid to the liquid-moving elements. The liquid-moving element (e.g., 13) is located on the shaft (10), in a rotating manner that regulates the size of the flow opening (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Pekka Leskinen
  • Patent number: 7864062
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for detecting a change in a specific gravity of a fluid surrounding the apparatus wherein the fluid moves upwardly and downwardly with respect to the apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing having a top and a plurality of openings for allowing the fluid to enter the housing. A first floatation device is provided having a first specific gravity and being located within the housing. The first floatation device includes a magnet. A second floatation device is provided having a second specific gravity and located within the housing adjacent said first floatation device. The said second floatation device includes a magnet aligned to have the same polarity as the magnet of the first floatation device. A switch fixedly attached to said top, the switch having an open state and a closed state where when one of said magnets is in proximity to the switch, the switch is in a closed state and wherein when both of said magnets are in proximity to said switch, the switch is in an open state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Kinetico Incorporated
    Inventors: Stephen W. Cook, Michael A. Hemann, Steven M. Hoopes, Jerome P. Kovach
  • Patent number: 7806134
    Abstract: A control valve for a faucet includes a valve housing, a hollow valve seat, at least one water outlet channel, a fixed plate, a rotation plate, a control unit, two mounting seats, a fixed sleeve, and a movable sleeve. Thus, the movable sleeve is movable in the fixed sleeve to control the water flow rate of the mixed cold and hot water to the optimum value to regulate and stabilize the water pressure automatically so as to provide a pressure balance effect so that the mixed water flowing from the water outlet channel is kept at a constant temperature, thereby providing a comfortable sensation to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Hain Yo Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Po Chang
  • Publication number: 20100126495
    Abstract: An appliance including at least two surface burners and a burner control system configured to selectively allow individual control of each of the at least two burners or simultaneous control of the at least two burners as a unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Timothy Scott Shaffer
  • Publication number: 20100116352
    Abstract: A multi-component coating spray application system comprises: a source of a first coating component, a source of a second coating component, a dynamic mixer in fluid flow communication with the sources of the first and second coating components, wherein the dynamic mixer comprises a mixing chamber and a movable stirring member in the mixing chamber, and a spray gun in fluid flow communication with an outlet port of the dynamic mixer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: PRC-DeSoto International, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian Mark Toole
  • Publication number: 20100037958
    Abstract: Gas is delivered to a locus from a gas delivery device (1), which is spaced from the locus and comprises an inner pipe (2) and an outer pipe (3) axisymmetrical with and surrounding said inner pipe (2) to form an annular conduit (4). A first gas is fed to the inner pipe to exit as a laminar flow jet impinging on the locus and a second gas is fed to the annular conduit to exit as a turbulent flow annular sleeve surrounding and constraining diffusion of said jet. In a preferred embodiment, normoxic air is fed to both the inner pipe and the conduit and oxygen is introduced into the inner pipe at an intermediate location so that the jet is oxygen-enriched air for inhalation by a user at the locus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Duncan Tassell, Neil Alexander Downie, Richard Wiktorowicz
  • Publication number: 20100000609
    Abstract: A gas mixing device feeds from two gas sources (1, 4), placing each gas into half of a chamber (17, 16) which is divided by a flexible physical barrier (12), such that pressure is equalised across the chambers (16, 17). Upon the release of each gas from each chamber at the same time into a mixing barrel (7), exit pressures and thus mixing characteristics are suitably controlled for a desired mix of gasses, due to the pressure balancing effect of the flexible barrier (12). The device might also be termed a divider or a dilutor. The device might be used in the mixing of low concentrations of carbon monoxide, such as 1 percent, in nitrogen with more nitrogen to dilute the concentration to 0.001 percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Brian Arthur Goody
  • Publication number: 20090320480
    Abstract: Fuel control arrangements provide and control fuel flow to injectors through fuel control valves. The injectors are connected to respective fuel control valves which in turn are connected to a first fuel flow path. The injectors are also connected to a second fuel flow path. The fuel paths are associated with a fuel source and generally have a recirculation valve between them. When flow in the flow path is stopped, recirculation of fuel can be provided across the recirculation valve to prevent fuel degradation. By provision of a restrictor valve in the second fuel flow path control of fuel recirculation can be achieved, as well as greater flexibility by presenting fuel flow separately through the second flow path to the injector whilst the first flow path is inhibited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: ROLL-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Mark Scully
  • Publication number: 20090218161
    Abstract: A steering system includes a fluid pump and an electro-hydraulic steering circuit in selective fluid communication with the fluid pump. The electro-hydraulic steering circuit defines a first flow path having a first proportional valve and a first load-sense passage in selective communication with the first proportional valve. The first proportional valve includes a closed position. A hydrostatic steering circuit is in selective fluid communication with the fluid pump and defines a second flow path having a second proportional valve and a second load-sense passage in selective fluid communication with the second proportional valve. The second flow path is in a parallel flow configuration with the first flow path. An isolation valve is disposed in the first flow path in series with the first proportional valve. The isolation valve includes a closed position and is piloted to the closed position by fluid communicated through the second load-sense passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Michael Cadman, Nathan Harold French, Wade Leo Gehlhoff, Robin Francis Ireton
  • Publication number: 20090126802
    Abstract: A fuel staging system comprises a splitter valve arranged to split an input fuel stream into a pilot fuel stream and a main fuel stream, the splitter valve comprising a spool slidable within a bore, the spool and bore together defining first and second control chambers, the fluid pressures in which determine the position occupied by the spool, the system further comprising a control line which, in use, controls fuel delivery through a plurality of main burners, the fluid pressure in the control line being a combination of the fluid pressures in the first and second control chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Goodrich Control Systems Limited
    Inventor: Neil Rawlinson
  • Patent number: 7464766
    Abstract: A self-metering, automatic (i.e. pressure regulating) industrial-scale fire fighting nozzle, with or without self-eduction, for self-metering a concentrate in accordance with varying liquid flow through the nozzle occasioned by the pressure regulating, with additional features of having a “ratio selectable” means for self-metering for different selected additive concentrations or mixing ratios and of having a mechanical flowmeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Williams Fire & Hazard Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis W. Crabtree, Dwight P. Williams
  • Publication number: 20080271785
    Abstract: The mass flow rate of a first reactant stream supplied to a fuel processor is controlled based on a combined feed-forward and feedback control regime. The method is particularly applicable for actively controlling the fuel supply to a fuel processor in a system comprising a combustion engine, in which the fuel processor is fluidly connected to receive at least a portion of an engine exhaust stream from the engine. In embodiments of the system and method, the supply of fuel is controlled based on three mass flow factors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Xuantian Li
  • Publication number: 20080190487
    Abstract: A proportional pressure control valve for regulating the pressure level in a hydraulic circuit including a magnet part and a valve part. The valve part includes an inflow opening for the inflow volume flow and two discharge openings. The first discharge opening is for an operating pressure connection and the second discharge opening is for a tank volume flow. The valve part also has a ball seat and a flat seat with an opening. A closing member is operable to control a flow rate through the opening of the flat seat. The valve part also includes a stream deflector disposed between the ball seat and the flat seat that has a circumferential surface configured to deflect a stream filament of the flow by an angle of ?30 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Karlheinz Mayr
  • Publication number: 20080188790
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for sucking liquid, in particular blood, from a collecting location, through a suction conduit (4) having an inlet end (5), wherein a liquid additive, in particular a CPD solution, is fed through an outlet end (15) of a conduit for additives (13). The inlet end (5) and the outlet end (15) being fixated in respect of and close to each other such that the additive is fed out to the collection location (16) close to the inlet end (5) and is mixed with the liquid that is being sucked before it enters the inlet end. A dosage unit (12) is controlled in dependence of the sub pressure in the suction conduit (4) for to regulate the feeding of the additive in dependence of the quantity of liquid being sucked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Per Olsson, Erik Ohlin, Kjell Radegran
  • Patent number: 7389786
    Abstract: A system is shown for injecting a chemical, such as an odorant, from a chemical supply into a fluid containing system such as a natural gas pipeline or an LPG pipeline. A tank of odorant is maintained under a positive pressure which exceeds that of the pipeline. An injection conduit communicates the odorant tank with the pipeline. A precise control flow valve, located within the injection conduit, meters odorant to be injected into the pipeline. An ultrasonic measuring unit allows the odorant to be metered on a drop wise basis with drops of chemical being counted as they pass through the flow valve into the injection conduit and into the natural gas pipeline. The ultrasonic measuring unit also allows steady state flow conditions to be measured accurately. A sonic measuring unit can also be utilized in low flow situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Zeck
  • Patent number: 7377288
    Abstract: The device comprises a first valve (35a) and a second valve (35b) each comprising a chamber (13a, 13b) communicating via an admission orifice (19a, 19b) with a circuit or a receptacle containing a first or a second fluid, and via an exhaust orifice (18a, 18b) with exhaust means for the first or the second fluid, at least one valve member (20a, 20b) mounted to move within the valve chamber (13a, 13b) between a position for closing and a position for opening the exhaust orifice (18a, 18b), a piston (22a, 24a, 22b, 24b) connected to the valve member (20a, 20b) and resilient return means (32a, 32b) for returning the valve member (20a, 20b) to a closed position. Each of the first and second pistons (22a, 24a, 22b, 24b) has a first face exposed to one of the first and second fluids, and an opposite second face subjected to a force exerted respectively by the second fluid or by the first fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Framatome ANP
    Inventors: Michel Lecomte, Bruno Fichet, Eric Breuil
  • Patent number: 7367351
    Abstract: A tap pressure balance valve for maintaining normal operation of the tap has a coil spring and a cut-off washer disposed in a though hole of a secondary case at where in relation to a water outlet provided on a deck of a primary case for the coil spring to push against the cut-off to maintain water tight between the through hole of the secondary case and the water outlet of the primary case so to avoid seepage from the interface where both cases are incorporated to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Inventor: Cheng-Wsiung Wu
  • Patent number: 7363934
    Abstract: A control valve for a mixed water faucet includes a housing, two sealing gaskets, a control shaft, a ceramic unit, a sealing ring, a sleeve, a pressure balance unit, an adjusting cock, and a fastening member. The pressure balance unit includes a bushing and a spindle. The ceramic unit includes a fixed plate, a movable plate, and a protective jacket. Thus, the movable plate is rotatable relative to the fixed plate to change the connection area between the water outlet chamber of the movable plate and the water inlet chambers of the fixed plate so as to regulate the water flow rate and the mixed proportion of the cold water and the hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: ING TZON Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mei-Fen Lin
  • Patent number: 7192559
    Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering fluids into microfluidic device body structures are described. The methods and devices include the use of fluid manifolds which are integrated or interchangeable with device body structures. Methods of fabricating manifolds are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Caliper Life Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea W. Chow, Anne R. Kopf-Sill, J. Wallace Parce, Robert S. Dubrow
  • Patent number: 7185669
    Abstract: There is provided a proportioner for the internal admixture, at a constant proportioning ratio, of an inflowing liquid additive to a liquid carrier, the proportioner including a first flow-attenuating means, and a second flow-attenuating means, wherein the first and second flow-attenuating means are mechanically coupled and biased by biasing means against the carrier inflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Dan Bron
  • Patent number: 7165570
    Abstract: A pressure balancing cartridge for mixing hot and cold water includes a casing having a sleeve therein which further includes a reciprocating balancing spool therein. There are seal members positioned to form a seal between the sleeve and the casing. Further, a spring is incorporated to protect a balancing spool of the valve from “water hammer” shock and to mechanically shear and digest any deposited matter in the area of the spring. Still further, by using material other than stainless steel, failure of the balancing spool is eliminated in “bad” water environments. Finally, the seal members comprise stainless steel clips or inserts. To address issues of mechanical wear, all improvements defined above increase useful longevity of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventors: Var Lordahl, Scott H. Koepsel
  • Patent number: 7156115
    Abstract: A flow control system (10) is provided in which a flow control valve (12) is controlled by a control system (14). The control system (14) measures a flow rate or temperature of a fluid flowing through the flow control valve (12) and adjusts the flow control valve (12) to achieve a desired flow rate. The flow control valve (12) includes an electromagnetically adjustable spool (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventors: William F. Everett, David C. Sudolcan
  • Patent number: 7143777
    Abstract: A control valve includes a housing, two sealing gaskets, a shaft, a protective jacket, a fixed plate, a movable plate, a sleeve, a pressure balance unit, and an urging screwing member. Thus, the movable plate is rotated by operation of the shaft without producing deviation or loose displacement so as to balance the water pressure and control the water output and temperature exactly. In addition, the movable plate is driven by the shaft to rotate relative to the fixed plate without producing friction and wear between the movable plate and the fixed plate, thereby enhancing the lifetime of the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Ing Tzon Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mei-Fen Lin
  • Patent number: 7105096
    Abstract: A method meets needs in material collection by significantly increasing the flow rate through headers that collect sludge without causing problems in priming. Telescopic pipes stay in a line adjacent to the bottom of a basin and do not float upwardly into or against equipment in the basin. An inlet end of an inner one of the pipes receives the collected sludge from spaced headers mounted on an outer one of the pipes. An operation is performed to balance a respective separate flow of the sludge from each of two headers mounted in spaced relation on the outer pipe. The balanced separate flows are substantially equal and flow into the inlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Meurer Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Lonnie Meurer
  • Patent number: 7100630
    Abstract: A fluid supply valve includes a valve plate having cold and hot apertures respectively aligned with the cold and hot inlets. A pressure balancer is rotatably supported adjacent to the mixing valve plate. The pressure balancer is rotatable between a closed position to prohibit fluid flow through the mixing valve plate and a range of positions to enable fluid flow through the pressure balancer and through the mixing valve plate to supply fluid from the outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Newfrey LLC
    Inventors: Vinh T. Vu, Edward Erdely
  • Patent number: 7083118
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for mixing a liquid such as fertilizer with water flow in a sprinkler pipeline where the liquid is timely dispensed over a period of time from a fertilizer chamber into a mixing chamber for mixing with the water before re-entering the pipeline. The device has a flexible diaphragm that sealingly separates a mixing chamber from a fertilizer chamber. A central disk is fixedly carried by the diaphragm and is biased by a first spring that applies a restoring force upon displacement of the central disk. A valve seat on an axial extension of the central disk extending into the mixing chamber is so dimensioned and proportioned to seat a pin holder fixed to an adjuster holder upon engagement by the pin holder. The adjuster holder is responsive to a second spring and the water pressure in the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventors: C. Anthony Bowles, Dwight N. Johnson, Igancio Cano
  • Patent number: 7028702
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic water pressure control valve balancing the temperature of mixed water, eliminating a cylinder enclosing the pressure control piston and multiple seal rings, to reduce the number of parts and to minimize the production costs of the automatic water pressure control valve, and a second automatic water pressure control valve simplifying the structure of the piston within the cylinder to enhance productivity of the automatic water pressure control valve, and comprising additionally the backflow cutoff valves in each of the hot water outlet and the cold water outlet to prevent back flows of water. Therefore, initial control of water pressure is easy because the piston is always placed in the center of the cylinder while water doesn't flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Asia Union Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang-Jin Park, Jae-Ik Jang
  • Patent number: 7021472
    Abstract: A system meets needs in material collection by significantly increasing the flow rate through a header that collects sludge without causing problems in priming. Telescopic pipes stay in a line adjacent to the bottom of a basin and do not float upwardly into or against equipment in the basin. A flow controller is positioned adjacent to an inlet end of one of the telescopic pipes to balance the flow of the sludge into the inlet end from headers on the other pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Meurer Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Lonnie Meurer
  • Patent number: 6880565
    Abstract: A shower bath tap valve assembly allowing easy production and assembly and adaptable also to a ceramic cartridge is essentially comprised of a valve body, a cylindrical balance valve seat to accommodate a balance valve to be forthwith placed in a central trough, connected to a cartridge and secured in position with a sleeve and a fixation nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Crop.
    Inventor: Scott Ouyoung
  • Patent number: 6877523
    Abstract: A valve assembly for mixing hot and cold water includes a generally cylindrical sleeve having hot and cold inlets and outlets and a rotatable non-reciprocal valve member positioned therein to control the mixture of hot and cold water in the outlet stream. The valve member has a hollow stem tube having hot and cold inlet and outlet ports which are rotatably engageable with the hot and cold inlets and outlets of the sleeve. The sleeve hot water outlet is generally larger than the sleeve cold water outlet. The sleeve and stem tube inlets and outlets are not limited to a particular shape and/or geometry. The fluid engagement between the sleeve hot and cold water outlets and the stem tube hot and cold water outlets provides a large mixed water temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: James F. Dempsey, John C. Holzheimer, Matt R. Kesti, Matthew R. Fehlner, Bryan Garvin
  • Publication number: 20040144423
    Abstract: A flow control system (10) is provided in which a flow control valve (12) is controlled by a control system (14). The control system (14) measures a flow rate or temperature of a fluid flowing through the flow control valve (12) and adjusts the flow control valve (12) to achieve a desired flow rate. The flow control valve (12) includes an electromagnetically adjustable spool (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: William F. Everett, David C. Sudolcan
  • Patent number: 6763846
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for distributing a fluid. A fluid distribution device includes a flow chamber comprising an inlet and an outlet, an equalization chamber; and a diaphragm separating the flow chamber and the equalization chamber, wherein a valve positioned in a flow path between the flow chamber inlet and the flow chamber outlet comprises a valve body coupled to the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: David Haruch
  • Patent number: 6748974
    Abstract: A valve assembly for mixing hot and cold water includes a rotable non-reciprocal valve member positioned therein to control the mixture of hot and cold water in the outlet stream. The valve member has a hollow stem tube having hot and cold inlet and outlet ports which are rotably engageable with the hot and cold inlets and outlets of the sleeve. The stem tube includes at least one wear plate receiving area for receiving at least one wear plate. The wear plate is in fluid communication with at least one of the stem tube hot and cold water inlet and outlet ports. The valve assembly may further include a stem driver which is attached to the stem tube to control rotational movement of the stem tube and a sleeve which receives the stem tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: John McNulty, James F. Dempsey, John C. Holzheimer
  • Patent number: 6662818
    Abstract: Regulator for precision control of pressure based on a means of measuring pressure differentials. More specifically, the present invention provides a pressure control that tracks a relatively high background pressure, and applies a positive or negative offset to create the small pressure differentials that can be utilized to transport fluids within a capillary network. The present invention is also directed to a method of controlling microfluidic elements (such as donut cavities) with a high degree of precision. In high performance liquid chromatography applications, this is accomplished using tracking pressure regulators to measure and respond to the difference between the liquid pump pressure and the regulated pneumatic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: PerSeptive Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlton H. Paul, Guy B. Praria, Jeffrey H. Stokes
  • Patent number: 6651688
    Abstract: A divider combiner valve using only one spool without any springs. The correct holes open and close by ball and seat type check valves although these could be a poppet or disk as well and these valves may be located in the valve body, the spool, or both. These are simple and reliable. There is no chance of the holes not being in the correct location. Since there is only one spool, contamination cannot keep the spools from shifting into their correct relationship with each other. The extra pressure drops, needed to overcome the spring forces in the earlier designs, have been eliminated all together. Also, the number of spools has been reduced from two or three down to a single spool, thus reducing the cost to manufacture the finished valve. Because there is only one spool, clearances are closer. There is less internal leakage, more accuracy while the cylinders are in motion. This closer clearance tends to lock the loads rather than transfer oil from one cylinder to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventors: Glen Brand, Timmy L. Chew